First Cargo

A transcontinental air-freight service in the U.S. went into operation last week, the first since Air Express Corp. tried it briefly in 1932. Strapped for planes because of Army requisitions but importuned for better cargo service, American Airlines finally put on a daily schedule from which passengers are barred.

Minus "passenger comforts" (food cupboards, pillows, oxygen, stewardesses), two 21-passenger DC-35 were turned over to the freight run, still equipped with seats for quick reconversion if necessary. But ground crews managed to pack in 4,000 to 6,000 Ib. of high-priority cargo (including mail) for each flight.

Airlines publicity men ballyhooed the event, without making the obvious point that such transportation, while necessary, is uneconomical by modern (but strictly military) aircraft standards. But airmen agreed that American had something, anyhow. At war's end, the airlines will get plenty of planes (like the new Curtiss Commando and the four-motored Douglas C-54) which are now doing a reasonably economical job of lugging cargo for the armed services. Meanwhile American's men will get freighting experience.

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