NEW AIR ROUTES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23131, 1 September 1938, Page 12

NEW AIR ROUTES

AUCKLAND TO GISBORNE SERVICE IN THE NORTH UNION AIRWAYS' PLANS PREPARING AERODROMES Important additions to its network of air services in New Zealand, including a link between Auckland and Gisborne by way of Opotiki and Tauranga within tho next few months, and a subsequent extension to North Auckland, are contemplated by Union Airways, according to a statement made to tho Hkrald last night from Wellington by Mr. F. Maurico Clarke, manager of the company. "As soon as tho aerodromes . are ready in North Auckland, Union Airways will commence a service there," Mr. Clarke said. Ho mentioned that at present tho service could not be undertaken owing to the fact that tho aerodromes had not been provided, but when this had been overcome the company would turn its attention toward that district. Type of Machines The Auckland-Gisborna service would, he hoped, be operating by the end of this summer, Mr. Clarke continued. There were already aerodromes in use by the company's commercial services at Auckland and Gisborne, and tho field at Tauranga was almost completed. The Opotiki aerodrome was at present being sown in grass and should be ready for use early next year. - Tho company planned to use De Havilland 86 machines on the Auck-land-Gisborno run, Mr. Clarke added. These machines, of which Union Airways has three, have given outstanding service on tho Palmerston North-Dun-edin route, but aro to be replaced shortly on that service by Lockheed Electras. "Extensions to our services will involve the employment of more flying staff and engineers," he said. In addition, radio installations would be necessary at Opotiki and Tauranga. Application for Licence The Commissioner of Transport, Mr. G. L. Laurenson, advises that Union Airways has applied for a licence to operate on a continuous basis over the new Gisborne-Auckland route. A copy of the proposed schedule of service has been filed with the Transport Department. The Chamber of Commerce at Gisborne, as representing a large body of potential users of the service, has been provided with details of the proposals for investigation and comment. Mr. Clarke will leave Wellington today for Sydney by the Wanganella, on his way to England. He hopes to return to New Zealand by the end of November.