FlightGlobal.com
Home
Premium
Archive
Video
Images
Forum
Atlas
Blogs
Jobs
Shop
RSS
Email Newsletters
You are in:
Home
Aviation History
1931
1931 - 0260.PDF
FLIGHT, MARCH 20, 1931 the use of private light aeroplanes by rich estancieros. The German-Colombian air service known as the " Scadta," which uses Junkers seaplanes, from Baranquilla on the coast up the Magdalena River to connect with the capital, Bogota, has secured a route which pays such profits that there is no need to trouble about a subsidy. This line is a fine example of German enterprise, which we British must admire, while we regret with a sense of shame the absence of any similar enterprise on our part in South America. The Italians have also shown active interest in South America; and the flight of the squadron led by Gen. Balbo has not only aroused interest and admiration, but has resulted in providing Brazil with a stock of Savoia seaplanes, which may well provoke a desire for more. The United States is constantly engaged in a peaceful penetration of Latin-America for trade, and in particular aero- nautical, purposes. We understand, however, that the common sentiment of Latin-Americans prefers the European branch of the English-speaking race, and that they would much rather buy British than buy North American goods. Finally, we must not forget the air and steamer connection between France and South America which has been estab- lished by the Compagnie Gene"rale Aeropostale of France. We British have, in fact, given several other nations a start of some 10 years in the South American market. In air transport the only plum secured has been the German success in Colombia. So far as sale of aircraft to the Governments of the various republics goes, we have held our own without what might be called any very remarkable efforts of sales- manship. For this we must thank the excellent work of our designers and constructors rather than our national qualities of salesmanship. This Exhibi- tion is an attempt to make up the leeway. We do not call it a belated attempt, because we believe that there is an excellent chance of the Exhibition producing large orders for British goods of many descriptions. The other nations have not, on the whole, taken fuh1 advantage of the recent British quiescence. Now that the Prince of Wales is heading a vigorous campaign of British salesmanship, we have every hope of really substantial results. Though we do hold that hitherto the British aeronautical effort in South America has not been adequate, we are thankful that we do not have to regret any failure as a result of premature attempts to force the pace. We alluded above to the French Cie. Gdnerale Aeropostale's service between France and South America. Though the Atlantic section of the route is traversed by steamer, still the efficiency of the service is so great that photographs of the Prince of Wales and his brother in Buenos Aires have been reproduced in London papers only 10 days after they were taken. Yet the affairs of the company are not in a happy state, as we pointed out in our issue last week. It has, in the vulgar tongue, bitten off more than it can chew. It started too many lines with insufficient capital. It pushed its operation on ahead of technical development. More than one account has been published by travellers which mention the old types of aeroplane used on parts of this route, and the discomforts thereof. The plea is put forward that France had to get ahead or be left behind. The company trusted that fortune would favour the brave, whereas fortune more usually follows good organisation. Three banks which backed the enterprise have closed their doors and suspended operations. The Government has shown willingness to help the company, but the Chamber has not gone all the way with the Cabinet. It remains to be seen what will happen now. It is always a matter for regret when a flying concern fails to make good, especially one which has begun to win good opinions by the services which it renders to the public. We offer our sincere sympathy to the Cie. Aeropostale. At the same time, we never approve of efforts to push air lines on ahead of tech- nical advances and of sound commercial principles. Air transport is a new development, and it is a delicate matter to handle. On the whole, we prefer the rather over-cautious British method, provided that the results are sound. But now that a real start has been made in South America, we hope to see progress there which is rapid as well as sound. VICKERS "VESPAS" FOR IRISH FREE STATE AND CHINA; A repeat order has been placed by the Irish Free State Army Air Corps with Vickers (Aviation) Ltd., for four " Vespa " Army Co-operation machines fitted with Armstrong-Siddeiey "Jaguar" engines. A " Vespa VI " (Bristol " Jupiter "), as shown above, has also been sent out to China for the purpose of special demonstration flights to the representatives of the National Government of China. 244
Sign up to
Flight Digital Magazine
Flight Print Magazine
Airline Business Magazine
E-newsletters
RSS
Events
