2016-01-27 Wed

The first airmail of the world was introduced in India on 18th Feb, 1911. French pilot Pequet carried a sack with about 6,000 cards and letters on his Humber biplane. The flight took off from an Allahabad polo field, over the Yamuna River, and landed on Naini. Though the flight lasted for hardly 13 minutes and the plane flew a mere five miles, the event was a milestone in the books of history.

It was during a large industrial exhibition that the decision to start the first airmail flight was taken. The chaplain of Allahabad's Holy Trinity Church, who was also warden of Oxford and Cambridge hostels, wanted to raise funds for a new hostel. He approached British commander Walter G Windham for help. Windham felt that an Airmail flight would not just help him raise funds but will also publicise the exhibition and set an example of quick and safe transportation of mails. Those interested in availing the service were asked to send their mail addressed and stamped to the chaplain of the Holy Trinity Church. A nominal sum of six annas was sought as donation for the new hostel building. Being a ceremonial occasion, these letters were addressed to people all over the globe. The take-off of the first airmail flight at Polo ground and the safe landing, which took place at a spot near Naini junction were witnessed by thousands including those who had come to attend the Kumbh Mela.

100 years of this service which started in India, was celebrated with a set of commemorative stamps.