India 1961 50th Anniversary of First Airmail Flight First Day Cover

India 1961 First Day Cover to commemorate 50th Anniversary of First Airmail Flight. 15 Naya paisa. Photogravure printing. Unused and cancelled. Special Allahabad Cancellation dated 18th February 1961. Sg:IN 435, Mi:IN 321, Sn:IN 337.

The first airmail flight in India marked a significant milestone in the country's aviation history, showcasing the potential of air transportation for rapid mail delivery. On February 18, 1911, French pilot Henri Pequet undertook the pioneering journey, flying a Humber biplane from Allahabad to Naini, covering a distance of about 10 km. Carrying approximately 6,500 letters and cards, this historic flight, organised to celebrate the inauguration of the Allahabad Exhibition, demonstrated the feasibility of using aircraft for mail services in India. Despite the short distance and modest payload, the event captured public imagination and laid the groundwork for the development of airmail services across the country. Subsequent advancements in aviation technology and infrastructure would lead to the establishment of regular airmail routes, transforming the way mail was transported and delivered in India.