Allegheny Airlines will inaugurate the carrying of regular three-cent mail  by air here today when Flight 707 leaves the Williamsport Municipal Airport shortly after 7 p.m.

It is one of 10 feeder airlines which will service more than 100 communities scattered through 23 states, according to Postmaster General Arthur E. Sommerfield, announced this week.
Allegheny is the only one of three airlines servicing Williamsport listed by Sommerfield, the other two flying in and out of the city are
Capital Airlines and Trans World Airlines.

The first class and preferential mail is to be moved by air during this pilot test operation will be carried on a space available basis.

Williamsport Postmaster J. Mark Good said last night had a sample of flying surface mail last December when the department had a special airlift on first class mail around Christmas time. Now he said, it is on a permanent paying basis along the Allegheny route to receive mail considerably sooner than at present.

“Mail will be sent over these routes when delivery to addresses is expedited or there is a savings on cost as compared with existing service. The actions is therefore directly in line with President Eisenhower’s objective to improve the postal service and effect economics,” Sommerfield said.

Ceremonies at the airport this evening will launch the area’s experiment in flying surface mail. Community Trade Association officials, Post Office officials and civic leaders are expected to participate in the initial lift.
Allegheny will offer two mail flights daily from the local airport. Flight 707 which leaves at 7:12 p.m. will service Bradford, Jamestown and Erie.

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.