Freight flights by ROAD
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AROAD haulage link operated by F. V. Carroll and Son Ltd., of Hounslow, which is classified by British European Airways as a "flight", is helping to boost air freight exports from Birmingham to the Continent.
Officially opened last week, following a trial period, the new service coincides with the inauguration of a direct freight service to the Continent from Elmdon Airport. Sixtynine-passenger Viscount aircraft have been modified to carry 32 passengers and three tons of freight. At first they will be flying to Dusseldorf and Amsterdam but it is hoped later to extend the service to cover Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Brussels and Zurich.
" Until demand builds up BEA will accept cargo at its new Elmdon freight centre and will offer full Customs documentation there. The direct road link with London Airport will appreciably relieve pressure on handling and Customs facilities there.
This move by BEA is designed to focus the attention of Midland manufacturers on the facilities provided for air freight exports at Elmdon. It is the airline's hope to fly all air freight exports direct from Elmdon but it is apparent that present traffic flows on offer make this uneconomic.
Carroll is using two 14-ton capacity articbox vans between Elmdon and Heathrow. Each vehicle makes a return trip daily and currently the service operates 51 days a week.
Arrangements are being made to equip the vehicles with Rolamat fittings, such as are used in the Argosy air freighters, and this will facilitate palletization in both directions.