Panel 5 Example
PASSENGER FLIGHTS ACROSS BASS STRAIT
1932
PASSENGER SERVICES TO FLINDERS AND KING ISLANDS
In 1932, Lawrence Johnson and brothers Victor and Ivan Holyman, started operating passenger flights from Western Junction to the new aerodromes on Flinders and King Islands.
They both purchased planes starting passenger services to Flinders Island.
Johnson was first on 19 March 1932 in his Desoutter monoplane, VH-UEE, named Miss Flinders, which could carry two passengers.
This was Tasmania’s first commercial aviation service.
The Holyman Brothers first flew to Flinders Island on 30 September 1932 with their de Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth, VH-UQM, named Miss Currie, which could carry three passengers.
In October 1932 Johnson and the Holyman Brothers merged to form Tasmanian Aerial Services.
On 24 December 1932, Victor Holyman flew Miss Currie with two passengers to inaugurate the first passenger service to King Island.
1933 – 1934
RESUMPTION OF INTERSTATE PASSENGER SERVICES
Three different airlines started passenger services between Melbourne and Launceston in 1933.
The first was Matthews Aviation from Melbourne with their Saro Windhover, VH-UPB, which carried five passengers. Their route was via King Island and Smithton. Norman Chapman piloted the Windhover, becoming the first pilot to cross Bass Strait 100 times.
The next was Hart Aircraft Services from Melbourne, with one of the old A.N.A. 10-seater planes, VH-UMG they named the Tasman. Their route was via Flinders Island with pilot Jack Turner. Charles Kingsford Smith was guest pilot of the Tasman on 12 May 1933.
The last to start in September 1933 was Tasmanian Aerial Services with a new de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, named Miss Launceston, VH-URD, which carried 6 passengers. Their route alternated between King Island and Flinders Island.
In early 1934, both Matthews and Hart ceased their services after their planes developed mechanical problems. This left Miss Launceston as the only passenger plane flying across Bass Strait.