AIR RIVALRY

Southland Times, Issue 22507, 15 February 1935, Page 7

AIR RIVALRY

ATLANTIC SERVICE

NEW BRITISH FLYING BOAT

U.S.A. CO-OPERATING

(British Official Wireless.) Rugby, February 13. The Under-Secretary for Air (Sir Philip Sassoon) stated in the House of Commons that he understood an order for the construction of a flying boat suitable for use on the Bermuda-New York section of the projected transatlantic air service via the Azores and Bermuda in conjunction with PanAmerican Airways had been placed by Imperial Airways. Preparations for British participation in the project were being expedited as far as possible. Replying to a supplementary question he said a great deal of ground organization, including a new airport in Bermuda, had to be done and the permission of the Portuguese authorities to use the Azores obtained.

While the trans-atlantic sea rivalry will be renewed with the completion of the Queen Mary, the proposed Cunard sister ship and France’s Normandie, _ a new air .rivalry is looming. The size and speed of the flying-boat are being kept secret. The Sun-Herald Service understands that the service from London to New York will take three days. The fare will be £l5O and the longest hop 2170 miles. America has already two transatlantic types built to carry 24 and 50 passengers respectively. The French flying boat is likely to lie a strong rival.