Hawaii —Auckland

Nothing Definite About Start of P.A.A. Service

THERE still is no information as to when the airmail service between Honolulu and Auckland, planned by Pan-American Airways, actually will come into operation.

No official announcement has been made since Pan-American Airways’ plans were disorganised by the destruction of the “Samoa Clipper” at Pago Pago on January 11.

It is stated that the service will not commence until the new Boeing seaplanes (huge machines capable of carrying 72 passengers) are available. The first of these was to be completed and tested at Seattle in April.

The “New Zealand Herald” suggests that this machine will be used on the Honolulu-Auckland service; but it seems more likely that the craft will go on to the ’Frisco-Asia service—which has been successfully operated by Pan-American Airways during the last 18 months—and that one of the clippers from that ser vice will be detached for the obviously less important Honolulu-Auckland ser vice.

There is still controversy as to whether Pan-American Airways will continue to use the Kingman Reef and Pago stations on their mid-Pacific route. Some people seem certain that they will use the al ternative route—Honolulu, Canton Island (Phoenix Group), Suva, Auckland.

An official investigation into the loss of the “Samoa Clipper” at Pago Pago was concluded in Washington in April.

It was decided that the probable cause was fire, associated with the dumping of fuel, but the precise cause of ignition was not determined—and probably never will be.

Information received as we go to press suggests that:— I.—The agreement between P.A.A. and New Zealand has expired, because the service was not operating by March, 1938, and it may not be renewed unless Britain gets aviation landing-rights in Hawaii and San Francisco. These may not be granted, because Japan might demand similar rights. 2.—The United States and Canadian Governments are not friendly disposed towards P.A.A. 3.—P.A.A. is building up a friendship with the Dutch airlines in the East In dies, which may have important re actions.