§ 28. Mr. Perkinsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that the Boeing aircraft factory in the United States of America are manufacturing six aircraft, each machine being capable of accommodating 72 passengers as well as a crew of eight, for the Atlantic service; and whether similar types of machines have been ordered by Imperial Airways?
§ Sir P. SassoonIn answer to the first part of the question, I understand that large flying boats for the Atlantic service are being constructed by the Boeing Company but no official details are available. If, as has been stated, the all-up weight is to be between 40 and 50 tons I am advised that it would be impracticable for them to carry anything like the number of passengers suggested across the North Atlantic. No final decisions have yet been taken as to the types of aircraft to be adopted following the experiments to be carried out from this side this year.