AIR SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25430, 11 January 1944, Page 2

AIR SERVICE

AMERICA-AUSTRALIA

REPORT OF MATSON PLANS (OC.) SYDNEY, Jan. 7. The Sydney Daily Telegraph publishes a report that the Matson Navigation Company is expected to apply to America for permission to conduct an air service between America and Australia before the end of the war. Matson officials in Sydney would not comment on the report. “ The application, which the company will probably submit to the Civil Aeronautics Board in America, provides for an air service over its present shipping route,” the Telegraph states. “This route does not coincide with existing airlines. Before the war Pan-American Airways started the Auckland-Noumea air service. Matson has an interest in Pan-Ameripan Airways.” The Telegraph supports its view that early developments by the company may be expected by quoting the Liverpool (London) Journal of Commerce, which says: “ Indication that the Pacificairline plans of the Matson Company have progressed more than has been generally known is seen in the appointment of Mr T. A. Schmidt as head of the company’s aviation division. Mr Schmidt has had 15 years’ service with American Airlines. I-Ie recently resigned as American Airlines co-ordina-tor of military operations. The company recently bought 45 acres of land at San Francisco airport, and has adequate gr.ound facilities, including shops, offices, and a hangar.”