New Developments

Under Way in NG’s Air Services

IMPORTANT developments in the New Guinea air network were advanced a stage in August.

Canberra has given financial approval for the first stage of a big new airport construction job to start at Malahang, near Lae, this year.

The first stage involves construc tion of a 7,500-ft by 150-ft runway on the new site, which is about two miles from the existing air port. The second stage will be the transfer of hangars and construc tion of new buildings.

Three years is the target period for completion of all work.

Estimates and design of an air strip at Loani, on the mainland opposite Samarai Island, have been completed by the Civil Aviation De partment. The strip, when built, will permit Samarai to be served by land planes of up to DC3 size, in stead of the present flying-boat ser vice.

At Goroka, New Guinea’s fast growing new town, a freight shed is to be established at the airfield, and an air traffic control station set up. A freezer unit for perish able cargoes is likely to be installed in the new freight shed.

The No. 2 airstrip at Goroka, de signed for use by small aircraft, when completed by the end of the year, will reduce delay to the move ments of larger aircraft.

Blocks of land suitable for the erection of quarters for airways company labourers will be made available near this airport.