Evening star., 1942-01-01
P. {. A. Head Points
To Amazing Gains
In Air Traffic
Lines Toke Important
Part in Speeding Up
Arms Output
Nv G.. BEDELL MONRO.

President, Pennsylvania Central Airlines.
This year has seen domestic air
transportation make phenomenal
gains in passenger traff1c. AL pre-
vious traffic records have been
broken and for the first time we are
approaching universal acceptance OF
the airplane as commonplace mooe
of travel.
For years-in fact ever since the
Wright brothers first took to the
air-visionary writers have penned
millions of words about the air
plane, predicting all sorts OF IAN
tastic futures for it. In recent years
many of these fantasies have be-
come realities. But in 1941, we saw
the strides of air travel become
longer and stronger than ever be-
fore. Truly the prophesies OF the
past are upon us.
1t would appear to the layman
that the big gains in passengers car
ried this year would naturally reflect
favorably on the industry's balance
sheet. Unfortunately, this Is not the
case. These gains, coupled with nor
NAL expansion of nearly every air
line. occasioned extraordinary ex-
penditures for increased equipment,
more personnel and other overall
expenses that were imperative to
handle the gains on the other side
Of the ledger.
Looks to Long Term.
From the standpoint Of operating
an air line for the long-range pro-
gram rather than for the profits
Of any one year, 1941 was not as dis
NAL a year as the above might in
dicate. Rather the preparation and
planning of 1941 will be reflected in
the successes Of future years. Let
us look ahead to 1912 While in 194l
we were restricted in the number
of airliners that were available Tor
purchase to domestic carriers be-
cause of Federal and Allied needs.
the apparent equipment shortage IS
likely to be relieved considerably IN
1912.
Our own company anticipates the
delivery of more airplanes by July,
1942-suffcient to meet proposed
needs for additional schedules and
possibly for still more routes.
During the past year the domesuc
air lines have justified their place
in the national defense picture.
MANY of the large increases In traf1c
have resulted from the travel boom
in industrial and Government cir
cles-all national defense business.
Air express volumes have likewise
increased.
Several years ago, every few weeks
or so there would be vital or inter-
esting air express shipment. Iooay
scarcely a flight takes of without
shipments aboard of some very nee
essary part or gear, sorely needed 10
carry on a defense project IN dis
tant city.
Air Mail Expands.
Air mail has also speeded up de-
fense matters. and the air carriers
are proud of the fact that revenues
netted by the Post Office Depart
ment in the sale of air mail stamps
are well in excess of payments mace
to the lines for the carriage OF air
mail.
World War II is doing lot OF
things for the future of the air
lines that will not be realized until
the emergency is over. Government
is bearing the expense OF developing
faster and larger planes that will
see everyday transport use at the
end of the present crisis. A lot is
being learned about the operation
of huge multi-engined airplanes.
Formerly the bulk of this develop
ment expense was borne by the air
lines. but all engineering and ex-
perimentation have been takn over
by the Government on new projects
today.
Another contribution to the future
air line picture by World War II Is
the training of personnel skilled In
the design, construction. operation
and maintenance of giant four-en-
gined airplanes. There will be a fu-
ture for these technicians in all
transport following the defeat o1
| Hit1erism