LONDON TO PARIS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15978, 21 November 1919, Page 9

LONDON TO PARIS.

DAILY ABB “EXPRESSES.” SUCCESSFUL INAUGURATION. “Air expresses” from London to Paris and back inaugurated recently tho era of commercial, flying between England and tbe Continent, says a London paper. It is worthy of note that the first flight, of the regular daily service took place on the anniversary of the day that Captain Webb landed at Calais after swimming the Channel from England. ■ The first machine left HonnsJow aerodrome at 9.30 with one passenger and a cargo of goods, which included a consignment of leather, several brace of grouse, and a number of jars pf Devonshire cream—a delicacy almost unobtainable in France. The plane was the Airco 4A, tbe same machine in which Mr Bonar Law and General Seely have made frequent trips across the Channel. Three hours later the Airco 16 left. A Handley-Page machine left Cricklewood at 8.30 for Paris, carrying eleven passengers, and piloted by Major E. L. Foote. This was a test trip for the regular service which is to bo started by this firm. Among the passengers were several London journalists. A call was made at Hounslow for Customs examination, and from there all three machines’ 1 Imade a direct flight to La Bourget aerodrome, which is the termipua for Paris. The Handley-Page machine made the return journey the following day. Both Airco machines accomplished their flight to Paris exactly to scheduled time—a very fine feat in view of the fact that a strong head wind was encountered. Two hours and a quarter was the time allowed, and in both cases this was done .to the minute. The Airco 4A made the return journey, leaving at 12.80, and arriving at Hounslow precisely at 2.4s—again the scheduled time—the passengers- • thus achieving the journey to Paris and hack in 5,5: hours. The scent at Hounslow was a quaint mixture of an ordinary railway terminus and a seaport.’ Notices in several languages were displayed directing passengers to the Customs’ office, and an official moved here and there examining passports and declaration forms.