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Aviation History
1964
1964 - 1530.PDF
843 -LIGHT International, 21 May 1964 The Boeing 7208 operated by Lebanese International Airways is on lease from Saudi Arabian efficiency—convinced us that it would be wise to make the change to a complete new freighter fleet at this time. This will also enable us to effect some improvements in the control cabin, notably in respect of radio facilities. "One of the most important features of the new Argosy is the possibility of introducing a larger size of freight pallet. This will increase the volumetric capacity of the aircraft by as much as 35 per cent, and thus substantially reduce the number of occasions on which the Argosy payload is restricted purely by volumetric limitations. Also, the use of the larger pallet, of the same size as that used on several other international freighter aircraft, will help to achieve more efficient freight handling, which is one of the essential ingredients for economically successful freighter operations. "It is a fact—although perhaps a surprising one—that the air freight business is profitable to BEA because of the amount of freight that can be carried, you might say, as a 'by-product' of passenger services. At present, the revenue earned from cargo carried in Argosies does not cover the costs, so our freighter fleet in itself does not operate on a profitable basis. However, the specialized freight carrying facilities we are able to offer with the Argosies does in fact attract a great deal of other cargo business, which can be profitably carried in passenger aircraft. Thus, under present circumstances, the two methods of carrying cargo by air in BEA are interdependent to quite an extent. "Provided that certain objectives can be achieved, however, there is no doubt that our freighter fleet can and will become profitable on its own account. An increase in the size of the freighter fleet from three to five aircraft is one of the first essentials. This will not only meet the ever-growing demand for cargo capacity, but will also make possible improved regularity, more flexibility in scheduled and charter operations, and more efficient aircraft utilization. Another essential, as previously mentioned, is a reduction in costs by improved methods of cargo handling. "The subject of BEA's freight policy has recently been thoroughly investigated, plans have been drawn up—one part being the decision to increase the Argosy fleet—and work is now in hand to expand and develop our freighter operations with the aim of making them not only self-supporting, but profitable. "At the moment, expansion of our freight business is restricted by the size, layout and position of the present Cargo Unit in the central area at Heathrow. Nevertheless, our freight people are justifiably proud in pointing out that the BEA air cargo unit at Heathrow is already the largest of its kind in the world, and the only one offering complete air-cargo services and facilities on a continuous basis—24hr a day—365 days a year. "A new permanent cargo centre is to be built by the Ministry of Aviation on the south-west side of the airport, in what is now known as No 3 maintenance area. This will be designed to achieve tremendous improvements in cargo handling efficiency, such as by direct loading and unloading of aircraft without the use of inter- mediate transport vehicles, maximum use of mechanization and streamlined handling procedures. Unfortunately for us, this new cargo centre will not be ready until about 1967-8, so in the meantime, BEA and BOAC are collaborating in developing an interim cargo base in the BOAC No 1 maintenance area. This will be in operation by the end of this year, and will not only provide BEA with much needed extra space for expansion, but also improved cargo handling facilities, and the possibility of reorganizing our cargo methods to achieve greater efficiency. "Apart from such basic considerations as I have outlined, the development of our Argosy freighter operations into an economic- ally successful enterprise will require the continued understanding, co-operation and enthusiasm of our flying staff. Fortunately, there have always been those amongst you who seem to prefer freighter flying, and such crews have always shown an admirable spirit of enthusiasm and a practical interest in the various aspects peculiar to this type of operation. I believe that air freighting will have to develop more and more into a specialized operation if we are to succeed in a big way—which is exactly what we mean to doAThat is why we have decided to set up a separate Argosy Flight once we have the five new aircraft, and this will come under the management of Capt H. A. Hooper. It will of course be a small flight, at least to begin with, but that in itself may well be a very good thing. It should help to ensure that the Argosy pilots will be able to play their full part in the successful development of our freighter policy, which is becoming an increasingly important part of our business." This Constellation was due to be auctioned at Schwechat airport, Vienna, at the end of last month following its impounding by the Austrian authorities, who alleged that they were owed £14,000 by the owners, Aero Transport. This company was in the news in Britain three years ago when a Constellation flown by a Falcon Airways crew was banned from operating into Britain. Aero Transport have since operated charter and inclusive-tour flights from Austria to Mediterranean resorts
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