Airmail

Par avion air mail

Bundesarchiv Bild 183-R36070, Luftpost

Cover Canada 1932 Rae air

First Official Airmail Flight, McLeansboro, Illinois, September 26, 1912 SAAM-1974.28.98 1

Allahabad airmail1911

Airmail is a mail transport service branded and sold on the basis of being airborne. This service has been historically distinguished by the speed and distance it covers, compared to surface mail. In the early days of the postal service, airmail was a novelty, primarily because it was faster than any other form of mail delivery. Today, airmail is no longer a separate category for most postal services, as the majority of mail is transported by air. However, the term remains a significant part of postal history and is still used to denote mail services that require speed and long-distance delivery.

History

The concept of airmail began in the early 20th century with the advent of the airplane. The first official airmail flight took place on February 18, 1911, in India, covering a distance of about 18 kilometers. This milestone was followed by the establishment of more regular airmail services in different parts of the world. In the United States, the first scheduled airmail service began on May 15, 1918, between Washington, D.C., and New York City, with a stop in Philadelphia.

During the interwar period, airmail became a symbol of modernity and efficiency, with countries competing to establish international airmail routes. The introduction of aircraft specifically designed for mail transport, such as the Douglas M-2, significantly boosted the capacity and reliability of airmail services. By the end of World War II, airmail had become an integral part of the global postal system, facilitating the rapid exchange of mail across continents.

Types of Airmail

Airmail can be divided into several categories, including domestic airmail, which is transported within the same country, and international airmail, which crosses international borders. Special types of airmail, such as express or priority mail, offer faster delivery times for an additional fee. Historically, there were also unique forms of airmail, such as balloon mail, used during sieges, and rocket mail, which experimented with delivering mail by rocket.

Airmail Stamps

Airmail stamps are postage stamps specifically issued for airmail services. These stamps usually carry a premium over standard postage stamps due to the higher cost of air transport. Airmail stamps often feature aviation-related designs, including images of airplanes, famous aviators, or symbols of flight. Collecting airmail stamps is a popular hobby among philatelists, with some rare and historic stamps commanding high prices.

Impact on Society

The advent of airmail had a profound impact on society, significantly reducing the time it took for mail to be delivered over long distances. This facilitated faster communication between individuals and businesses, contributing to the globalization of the economy. Airmail also played a crucial role during times of conflict, such as World War II, when it was used to deliver military mail and maintain morale among troops stationed overseas.

Modern Airmail

With the development of faster and more efficient aircraft, along with the rise of electronic communication, the distinction between airmail and other forms of mail has largely disappeared. Most mail is now transported by air as a matter of course, especially for long-distance and international delivery. However, the legacy of airmail lives on, with postal services around the world continuing to offer expedited shipping options for documents and parcels.

See Also

• Postal history
• Philately
• Air transport
• Express mail

Airmail Resources
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