SPEED IN THE AIR.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 955, 27 December 1933, Page 1

SPEED IN THE AIR.

Cruising at 250 Miles an Hour the Goal. LONDON, December 16. We must now think of a cruising speed in the air, not of 100 miles an hour, but of 250,” declared the Prince of Wales, at the aviation conference in London, called to stimulate the provision of more airports. The conference, which was attended by delegates from all the cities and leading towns of Great Britain, was summoned to the Mansion House by the Lord Mayor of London (Sir Charles Collett). Urging a forward policy of aviation, the Prince contended that aeroplanes should be at the disposal of all, instead of only a few. Regular ai'r transport in the British Isles had made sudden and remarkable strides during the present year, but the nation must look ahead. Britain had a great aircraft industry, and some of the best aircraft in the world. Increased speeds would not arrive suddenly, but when they came, larger aerodromes would be needed. The immediate need was for more landing grounds, so that aeroplanes could alight where they wished. Sixteen local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales had provided modern aerodromes, and six other local authorities had acquired airport sites, but they could not reap the full rewards of their enterprise because their lead had not been followed. Fast, frequent and regular air services would come about only if air routes and air ports were planned simultaneously.