TRANS-ATLANTIC SERVICE.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 230, 29 March 1928, Page 3

TRANS-ATLANTIC SERVICE.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE AIR. Two announcements of interest from “ the lords of the air ” are that Canada is td be the terminus of the transAtlantic air liner service which is to commence shortly, and that Britain has just successfully tested the world’s largest air-metal monoplane, capable of carrying twenty passengers. The rivalry between the lighter-than-air and heavier-than-air machines therefore promises to be much keener than was anticipated, and the year 1928 will see an amazing advance in air traffic, especially as it is now kown that Germany has entered the race for the conquest of the Atlantic. Commander Burney, head of the Airship Guarantee Company, which is building the two giant air liners for Britain, stated in January that it was common knowledge that the German Zeppelin Company was making an effort to be the first to establish a commercial air service across the Atlantic. “It is now known,” he said, “ that the German Zeppelin Company has put on night as well as day shifts of skilled workers in order to expedite the competition of the new Atlantic airship, the LZ-127. This airship will probably have been completed, and put through her trials, in time to make a demonstration air trip across the Atlantic in October. It is now possible, however, in view of their new ‘ push,’ that this programme may be accelerated. My vessel, the R-100, should be finished within the next few months, but the carrying out of her official trials will depend upon the completion of a great new airship shed at the Royal Airship Works, Cardington, near Bedford. It is understood that this new shed, which the R-100 is to occupy, will be ready in July.

“ The airship will then be put through her trials by the Air Ministry. They will include tests in speed and manoeuvring. She will also make an extended cruise, and will have to remain moored for a week at the Cardington mast. The vital point, in view of the quickening of the German preparations, is that the official trials of the R-100 should he carried through as quickly as possible. A period of several months has been mentioned as being necessary, but, in view of the new situation which has arisen, I hope that they may be effected in not more than about a fortnight. “ Directly the R-100 has accomplished these official trials,” continued Commander Burney, “ I am arranging to purchase the vessel from the Air i Ministry and fly her out on a demoncontinued in Previous Column)