The New York herald., 1921-01-16
BRITAIN AWAKENS
TOOPPORTUNITYN IN
CIVIL AIR TRAFFIC
Has Fallen Behind France
and Germany in CONNER
cial Development.
$500, 900 GRANT Is GIVEN
Needs of Service Far Different
From Those Involved in
Military Action.

SpecioI Cobl. ia TnE NEW YORK HEaslB-s
Copyright, 1871. by THE New York HERALD.
New York Herald Bureau.
London, Jan. 10. M
The British Government at last has
followed the policy of the French and
German Governments and has taken
a step toward the development of civil
aviation. This is indicated by an an
rouncement from the Air Ministry
of grant of 100000 a year for
direct assistance to companies engag-
ing in air traffic The advisory com-
mittee suggested twice that amount
but while the grant is small 1t Is
looked upon as a step in the right di-
rection and one which will serve as an
inspiration for progress.
The money is available for companies
operating over approved air routes on
a basis of % per cent. Of the total rev.
enue earned by carrying passengers.
mails and goods. The grant becomes
effective the first of next year. A COM
pany in order to obtain the beneht OF
the grant must show that II has deyei-
oped business and flying time equal 10
a certain minimum which will be stipu-
lated under the rules of the grant, and
it must use aircraft OF British manu-
facture fitted with British made engines
More Routes Are Planned.
The routes thus far approved are sll
trans-channel flights to Paris. Brussels
and Amsterdam. nut extensions and adj
ditional routes are planned, and viii be
announced before the grant becomes ef-
fective
The grant comes just in time to pre-
vent big decline in British aviation de-
velopment. Recently two companies sus-
pended business and aviation In England
generally was in bad way. 1t is now
hoped that the two discouraged compan-
les will try again and that others will
enter the field.
The delay before the money becomes
bic is considered a serious handi.
cap. however as last year France alone
spent twice that much in developing
French civil aviation, and therefore adj
yanced considerably. while Britain Went
back. Germany also has made much
headway but both these countries have
the advantage of inland routes. This
has resulted in a growing demand here
foi the development of inter-islnnd
routes. There are more than eighty
ardromss in Great Britain waiting -
be used. of which the Government maii-
tains only two.
1t is urge that ,he grant should stur-
ulate the use. Of real commercial craft
designed for that purpose and carrying
big loads with a minimum of power
used. War time machines have been
the greatest drawback TO the develop
ment of commercial flying since these
craft are not a suitable type to make
such a business profitable
Government support PIenses.
Hsndley Page. the widely known air
plane builder. expressed himself
pleased with the Air Ainstry's an
nouncement. and said that although the
grant was small it was a recognition by
the Government OF the value of ctSil
aviation. lie said that his company
would now be able to stand on the san.
ground with foreign companies. "Previ-
ously in dealing with any country which
had services subsidized by the Govern
ment." Mr. Page said. there was no
guarantee on our side that our service
would have the support OF our Govern
ment in any way. Now we have a def
inite starting point and a definite guar
antee If certain amount OF freight Is
forthcoming"
Mr.. Handley Page said that one of the
most important points was that IL II is
possible now to make profit at the
present scale OF charges without carry
ing full loads. the subsidy by making up
the difference would permit a reduction
In charges and this In turn would in
crease the volume OF traffic to such an
extent that the business could be
launched on proper paying basis.
The grant was not made until after
much discussion and the widest differ
ence of opinion in Government circles.
even Winston Churchill arguing that =
aviation should stand on its own.
The result OF this long controversy has
been that England has lost her grip
somewhat on the air situation. Strug-
Cling companies here have been dis
heartened so that really only the Hand
ley Page concern has done anything ON
this side OF the Channel. while the
French and German civil air interests
have been developing on tho widest
scale and have been branching -.
steadily. Perhaps now England Wi
be able TO regain the aviation prestix.
she has lost