CONQUEST OF THE AIR.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 21 December 1926, Page 8

CONQUEST OF THE AIR.

(Ptr Press Association —Copyright.} LONDON, December 19. Reviewing the naval and military aircraft strength of Europe, Major Turner, in the “Daily Telegraph,” says France is first, with 1280 machines of th# fyrofb and numerous, if not highly efficient reserves, and 3<X)G pilots available at short notice. Britain is second, with 746 aeroplanes ot the first line, with proportionate reserves, and 2200 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 the alarmist reports, has probably a total of under 1000 machines. As tar ns commercial aircraft are concerned, France is at present operating about Germany 130, and Britain only 15. Germany and France arc much more favourably situated. with bigger areas and better climatic conditions and opportunities of long routes not served by railways. Nevertheless, it is disquieting to «?ee Germany take over the Amsterd *m-London air service, formerly run by the Imperial Airways. Doubtless further German enterprises will be notified in the spring.