AIR FORCES OF EUROPE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19978, 21 December 1926, Page 9

AIR FORCES OF EUROPE

MILITARY AND CIVIL. A COMPARATIVE SURVEY. (Brest Association—By Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, December 19. In renewing the naval and military aircraft strength of Europe, Major Turner, in the Daily Telegraph, says: “Prance is first, with 1,280 machines of the first line and numerous, if not highly efficient, reserves, and 3000 pilots available at short notice. “Britain is second with 746 aeroplanes of the first line and proportionate reserves and 2200 pilots. “Italy will shortly have 1660 machines, including reserves and training craft, and 930 pilots. “Germany has no military aircraft of any importance. “Russia, in spite of alarmist reports, has probably a total of less than 1000 machines. “So far as commercial aircraft are concerned, France is at present operating about 150, Germany 130, and Britain only 15. Germany and Prance are much more favourably situated, with larger areas, better climatic conditions, and the opportunities of long routes not served by railways. Nevertheless, it is disquieting to sec Germany take over the AmsterdamLondon air service which was formerly run by Imperial Airways, Limited. Doubtless, further German enterprises will be notified in the spring.”—A. and N.Z. Caable.