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Aviation History
1964
1964 - 1817.PDF
1000 FLIGHT International, /8 June 1964 Frontier Airlines' first Convair 580 (an ex-United Air Lines 340 converted by Allison to S0I-DI3 turboprop power) enters service this month AIR COMMERCE... NEW FRONTIER WITH a growth rate of 51 per cent, Frontier Airlines emerged as the fastest-growing American airline in 1963. Thanks to a sharp reduction in unit costs—down to 4.3 cents per seat-mile by the end of the year—and to a much improved load factor (still below 40 per cent, however) profits rose even more sharply by a remarkable 78 percent. Indeed, with an operating profit of S2m on revenues of S20m (of which one-ihird was in the form of subsidy) it was not surprising that Frontier found itself liable for substantial refunds of subsidy to the CAB under the Federal profit-sharing scheme. An important development during the year was the southward extension of the network down to El Paso; with this extension, Frontier reaches right across the map of the States from the borders of Canada to Mexico. Another development which con- tributed to Frontier's expansion was a bold new look which was evident in the smart turquoise and gold colour scheme of the company's fleet and ramp equipment; in the redesigned uniforms; in an intensive sales promotion campaign; and in the dramatic layout and text of the annual report. A further factor behind the airline's booming business was the introduction of a wide range of new creative fares. Particularly popular were the family fares which permit the second parent to travel at half fare and the children at a quarter of the fare. Also popular were special reduc- tions for students, clergymen and forces' personnel. Traffic on promotional fares such as these accounted for as much as a third of Frontier's business. Finally, the quality of service improved noticeably with the arrival of a further four Convair 340s; with a fleet of 14 Convairs in operation, the share of traffic carried by the DC-3s fell to 25 per cent. This improvement in quality of service will take a further step forward this summer when Frontier introduces a re-engined turboprop version of the 340 (designated the 580) on its more important routes. SAFETY REPORTED THOUGH it has appeared almost a year after the period under review, the Federal Aviation Agency's fifth annual report on its civil aviation activity—in particular its efforts in the field of air safety—is of interest for many reasons, not least as an example of good public relations. The availability of such an account is in distinct contrast to the silence from other Government authorities, with the exception of Australia, reviewing their year's work in the air safety field. During the year under review (ending June 30, 1963) special emphasis was given by the FAA to aircraft maintenance. One successful scheme, saving one airline over $1.2m, was the system of reporting mechanical malfunctions to the FAA who, acting as a central clearing house, detected trends which were quickly corrected in co-operation with the manufacturers and operators. Turning to the Agency's responsibilities as providers of air traffic control, the report notes that a new system was started of reporting the performance of navigational aid transmitters in order to pinpoint faults needing immediate correction. Studies were also started on navigational facility maintenance to determine whether scheduled maintenance could be reduced without affecting performance. Consolidation of airways control centres during the year provided more efficient air-traffic handling at reduced cost. It was also possible to reduce the number of centres from 29 to 20 in the 48 States. Other consolidation plans aimed at efficiency and savings included a flight service station study of cost versus benefits. FAA-military co-operation continued during the year with annual savings amounting to $6m as a result of the joint use of operational communications facilities. A total of 17 long-range radars, both FAA and military, were converted to joint use, bringing the overall total of radars doing double duty at the end of the fiscal year to 44. During the year FAA established a Europe-Africa-Middle East regional organization with headquarters in London to provide on-the-spot co-ordination of high priority aviation matters of international concern. At the FAA headquarters in Washington, an associate administrator for programmes was appointed to direct and co-ordinate the Agency's air traffic, flight standards, airports and systems maintenance activities. Gains in FAA's work force productivity were made and a manpower control and utiliz- ation programme were set up to spur and monitor progress in this area. The various chapters of the FAA's fifth annual report deal with aviation safety; airspace control and facilities; national defence; fostering civil aeronautics and air commerce; and administration. It also contains statistical tables on accident rates for US airlines and general aviation. MORE ILYUSHINS FOR CHINA AFTER a prolonged evaluation period during which many western aircraft were favoured at various times—notably secondhand BOAC Britannias, and more recently new Sud Caravelles—China's airline CAAC has finally decided to buy five more Il-18s to supple- ment the two or so it already has. Though the turboprop Il-18s may not be just what CAAC will want in terms of range and speed for realizing all its international expansion plans, particularly to Cuba, the decision will no doubt revive the ailing trade relations between China and Russia and perhaps restore the supply of spares for CAAC's predominantly Soviet-built fleet. After the successful sale of six Viscounts to CAAC, hopes for further British or French sales have been running high. Though Mr C. F. (Dixie) Kidd, BEA's ground training instructor for 17 years, has retired from the corporation. Centre, Mr R. P. Hartley has been appointed general manager of Zambia Airways, CAA's Northern Rhodesian subsidiary. He will report to the chairman Mr T. M. D. Mtine. Right, Mr Patrick Joyce takes over PR for Aer Lingus in the UK
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