PACIFIC AIRWAYS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 277, 25 November 1935, Page 7

PACIFIC AIRWAYS

FLIGHT TO MANILA - CLIPPER ’PLANE LEAVES AMERICAN PROGRAMME LINKING WITH ASIA [By Telegraph—Pre«s A««otiation— SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 23. America’s ambitious commercial aviation programme in the Pacific was officially inaugurated as the 25-ton China Clipper ’plane of Pan-American Airways got away from a perfect start on the first pay-load flight to Alanila via Hawaii, Midway, Wake ami Guam Islands. It is expected that the 7978mile route will be covered in approximately 60 hours’ flying time. No passengers are being taken the first time. The cargo consists of some two toi U of mail, the postage on which is so|im< 60,000 dollars. Thousands of spectators lined the bayside as the craft prepared to start. Through extensive wireless arrangements officials in Washington Alanila and Honolulu spoke (luring t'no ceremonies preceding departure. Ail envisaged closer cultural and commercial relations with the Pacific Islands as well as the Asiatic mainland when the route is extended to Canton. The early likelihood of the extension of the service to New Zealand and Australia was mentioned by Post Office officials. With bands blaring and crowds cheering, President Hrippe, of PanAmerican Airways, gave a radio signal to Captain Alusick to cast off, and with, a roar the giant craft took to the air, giving the spectators an additional thrill as she dipped under the San Francisco Bay Bridge now under construction. ARRIVAL AT HONOLULU', A TYPICAL WELCOME J Received Nov. 24, 9.25 p.m. HONOLULU, Nov. 23. The Clipper ’plane from San Fran* cisco landed here, completing the flight' in 21 hours 20 minutes. She was delayed by head winds. Captain Musiclfl reported that the ’plane functionoxl perfectly. Th© ’plane will take ofS on Sunday on the second, leg of hefl voyage, taking 14 passengers, all Pain American employees, from Honolulu ta mid-Pac:fi3 bases. That the arrival of the ’plane was delayed, was also due to changing her course to view .the eruption of Iha volcano on Maunaloa Island, Hawaii. Army and Navy ’.planes escorted the Clipper to her landing. Thousands o£ spectators, including Government officials, greeted the ’plane. Alcanwhile, her sister Philippines Clipper was winging north to Sau Diego from Acapulco, Afexico. Captain Alusick said: “The trip wa» uneventful, and comfortable. We didnot try to set a speed record.” The ’plane brought 100,000 pieces mail, weighing nearly two .ions, to Honolulu and ports beyond. The passenger service, will not start until after the trans-Pacifie flights. The first three are to Alanila, the next two extending to Alacso. The arrival maxes Honolulu the future hub of Pacific air travel, the crossroads of thei air hne connecting United States and the Orient, and the United States and, the Antipodes. The Clipper crew were given a typical Hawaiian welcome, and decora'.wX with garlands of flowers. A third ’plane will soon be reas for service.