Politics And Technics In Aircraft Choice

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30976, 4 February 1966, Page 9

Politics And Technics In Aircraft Choice

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, February’ 2.

Pressure from several directions in favour of the British B.A.C. 1-11 as a replacement for the National Airways Corporation’s Viscount airliners is causing a sharp clash with N.A.C.’s expressed preference for the American Boeing 737.

Informed sources believe that the Boeing will be chosen if the advice of technical experts is taken, but that the British plane could well be successful if political considerations are allowed to intrude.

The airline’s choice is subject to a full review by the Civil Aviation Department on technical and economic aspects, and then must be examined by the Government. The Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr McAlpine) said tonight that his job as Minister was to have the economics and availability of potential replacement places evaluated by technical advisers in his department.

“When they have completed their evaluations they will give to me their assessments of the aircraft from an operational viewpoint. Cabinet Task

“It is my job to inform the Cabinet of all these points and the Cabinet’s task to evaluate the information in the light of political considerations and the Government’s viewpoint, and make a decision accordingly. Political, trade and public relations aspects would be considered. “We must,” Mr McAlpine continued, “give consideration to the possibility that the future trading relations with either of the two countries could be affected by the decision.” The Minister said no question of passenger safety entered into the matter. Potential replacement plans were made by companies of international repute. “Perfectly Safe”

“The Civil Aviation Department would never authorise the purchase of any plane unless it was perfectly safe—capable of coming in and out of airports on one engine.” Mr McAlpine said there was no firm policy that the corporation should buy “proven” aircraft. “It just so happens that they have done so in the past.” Considerable speculation has arisen in Wellington that

the Government might override the recommendation of N.A.C. and select the B.A;C. 1-11. The Parliamentary Secretary to the British Ministry of Aviation (Mr John Stonehouse) is reported to have told the Government that a decision to buy the American plane would not be well received in London. The fact that he had talks with Mr McAlpine and the Minister of Overseas Trade (Mr Marshall) at the time butter marketing negotiations were beginning in the United Kingdom was considered significant by some Government officials. N.A.C. officials have consistently refused to confirm or deny that the airline has plumped for the American plane in spite of frequent reports that it has done so. Government authorities, however, make no secret of the fact that it is favoured by the airline.

Officials of the corporation do not appear to have changed their minds on the merits of the B.A.C. 1-11 after giving the demonstration model at present in New Zealand a thorough testing. One official said today that after flying the plane he believed it fulfilled the manufacturer’s assessmnt. “This is in line with the corporation’s evaluation of the plane which was made at the time consideration was being given to all possible replacement aircraft.” Civil aircraft authorities said the crucial points influencing the corporation was the take-off and landing capabilities of the Boeing. They said the figures supplied by the manufacturers concerning the Boeing’s expected performance gave the plane a greater safety margin for operation out of Wellington Airport than that possible for B.A.C. 1-lls.

Some criticism has been voiced that the Boeing has not yet flown, where the B.A.C. 1-11 has proved its capabilities in service with airlines of international repute. The criticism' is answered

by arguments that the Boeing will have been in service for between 12 and 18 months by the time the N.A.C. is due to take delivery late in 1968. Company guarantees would ensure that should unexpected troubles reveal themselves during this period the N.A.C. would not be bound to take delivery and would be free to shop elsewhere. The cost of both planes is estimated at about £1.2 million each. Both would carry about 70 passengers depending on individual airline requirements.