AIR LINK BROKEN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 76, 18 October 1939, Page 5

AIR LINK BROKEN

GISBORNE-OPOTIKI-AUCKLAND

SOUTHERN LINK TO CEASE ALSO

A little in advance of expectathe air link between Gisborne and Auckland,, via Opotiki and Tauranga, was broken on Thursday, when Union Airways' four-enginer air-liner made its last trip. Previously it had been announced that the last trip would be made on Saturday, but the original plan was altered. After taking off from the Opotiki aerodrome on Thursday morning, the big plane flew over the Otara district and then turned towards the aerodrome again, flying at a fair height. As the machine flew over the aerodrome it suddenly dived low down and then rose steeply again, as a farewell salute. The machine then flew over the town at a low altitude. The service had now been suspended indefinitely owing to the government taking over the company's De Havilland planes for instructional purposes.

The company had been advised that the Gisbornc-Napier,Palmerston North service will also have to be suspended as from October 25, in furtherance of the Government's development of air-training facilities in connection with the general Avar effort. Gisboi'ne will be thrown back upon

road and rail services l'or communication with outside centres, after having enjoyed the benefits of speedier travel for several years in the case of the southward air link.

According to the present plans, Union Airways will continue to operate a skeleton service between Auckland and Dunedin with the Lockheed Electras which comprise an important portion of its fleet, and which are not to be taken over by the Government in the meantime. One difficulty i:i handling this service will arise from the fact that a majority of the company's pilots have been placed on the- Air Force Reserve, and will be employed as instructors in the Air Force. It is possible that all commercial aviation will cease in the not far distant future owing to lack of pilots.