2021-01-27 Wed

The first-ever helicopter mail service was inaugurated at Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 27th January 1988. The first flight was from Port Blair to Havelock Island and it was inaugurated by the Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Island.

The history of Helicopter Service in India started when “Helicopter Corporation of India” HCI was incorporated on 15th October 1985. It was the country’s national helicopter company with the objective of providing helicopter support services to the oil sector for its off-shore exploration operations, services in remote areas and charter services for promotion of tourism.

Prior to 1988, no scheduled Helicopter Mail Service was ever introduced in India. But the year 1988 gave three scheduled helicopter mail services in India, which were as follows:
1. 7th January 1988- Gangtok – Bagdogra
2. 27th January 1988- Amongst Various Islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
3. 20th February 1988 - Between Lakshadweep Islands and Cochin

The stamp, shown above is a 50 Paise commemorative stamp issued in the year 1979. The stamp depicts “Chetak” helicopter which served the purpose of carrying mail in the forward areas.

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