§ 58. Mr. Montagueasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he can give any information with regard to Trans-Atlantic flights proposed this year?
Captain BalfourThe Mayo-Composite aircraft is due to leave Foynes Airport to-night on a flight to Botwood, Montreal and New York—returning by the southern route via the Azores and Lisbon to Southampton. In August a second flight will be made by the Composite aircraft over the same route. In September, provided tests due to take place next month are satisfactory, it is hoped that the first of the Albatross landplanes, and the first of the new Empire flying boats modified to give greater all-up weight, will each make a double crossing. In October a further flight will be made by all three of these different types, while the second Albatross should fly to Newfoundland, where the aircraft and crew will remain to study and train in winter conditions. I would remind the hon. Member that this programme must be regarded to some extent as provisional, and dependent on suitable weather conditions and the successful completion of certain trials.
§ Mr. MontagueHas the Minister any idea as to when a regular service will be started?
Captain BalfourDuring the coming winter further experiments are to be made with refuelling the Shortt S.30 boats, and there is every reason to anticipate that a regular service will be put into operation in 1939 when the new 70,000 lbs. all-up weight boats will be completed.