TRANS-TASMAN AIR SERVICE.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20261, 2 August 1937, Page 6

TRANS-TASMAN AIR SERVICE.

The decision to form an operating company'to control the transTasman air service brings the establishment of an aviation route from the Dominion to the Mother Country much closer. It will be the longest air-line in the world and one of the most Interesting. At one time it had been anticipated that the service now maintained from Great Britain to Australia would be extended to the Dominion long before anything in the form of a trans-Atlantic service could be provided, but during the past few weeks trial flights from Ireland to Newfoundland have been made by both ’British and American machines, and although it remains to be proved that regular flights could be maintained, it is evident that the northern crossing is practicable for some months in the year. The company interested in the Atlantic service is also concerned in the air-line to Australia and it is likely that it will act for the British Government in the company that is to control the final stage of the journey to the Dominion.

The Postmaster-General has expressed the opinion that flyingboats will be used on the route, at least for some years. There was a strong difference of opinion between the Australian and British authorities on this point, but apparently the Federal experts have been convinced that the flying-boat is the better for the purpose in the meantime, so that it may not be very long before great aircraft, such as those now flying across the Atlantic, will be employed connecting Australia and New Zealand by air. Fortunately the west coast can offer a well-spread choice of suitable sheltered water for “landing” purposes, should weather conditions make it impossible to* keep to a strict course, and that may be a great factor despite the wonderful technical development of the modern flying-boat. The agi-eement between the three Governments will be generally welcomed, and it should not be very long before the Dominion is brought into touch with the Mother Country via the Commonwealth by means of a regular air service. It will be another instance of a dream coming true.