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To Mark the inauguration of First flight between India and The United Kingdom, Indian Postal Authorities issued a stamp.
On Tuesday, June 8, 1948 and Air India's aircraft - Malabar Princess, a 40-seater Lockheed L-749 Constellation with registration number, VT-CQS, with Captain K.R.Guzdar in cockpit took off from Mumbai.
The First Air India Flight made a 5,000 mile journey from Mumbai to London through Cairo and Geneva. The flight departed late in the evening,with 35 passengers on board.Among them, 29 were bound for London and 6 for Geneva.
After Months of meticulous planning the flight was to take off on June 8th 1948. Preparations for the flight had been under way for months. Air India had experience of flying on domestic routes. but, some extra effort had to be put in order to fly on an international sector. Air India carefully selected staff members, new staff were recruited and Air India offices were opened in Cairo, Geneva and London.
On board the Malabar Princess that night were Indian cyclists, who were to don the colors of India at the Olympic Games at Wembley,Maharaja Shri Duleepsinhji who was looking forward to watch the England-Australia Test match among others.
Malabar Princess arrived in London in the early hours of June 10 after taking more than 24 hours .The flight received a red carpet welcome on arrival at London.Press photographers’ Flash bulbs popped as Mr Tata stepped down from the aircraft followed by other passengers.
Mr.Tata carried with him greetings and goodwill from Pt.Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India to the Prime Ministers of Great Britain and Egypt and the President of the Swiss Republic.
First day Stamped Cover of Inauguration Of Flight Between India and UK on 8th June 1948
Block Of Stamps Of First Flight Between India And United Kingdom
| Stamp Number | 004 |
| Stamp Name | First Flight |
| Stamp Denomination | 12 Annas |
| Stamp Issue Date | 08/06/1948 |
| Stamp Currency | Annas |
| Stamp Type | Commemorative |
| Stamps Color | Black And Ultramarine |
| Stamp Perforation | 13.50 x 14 |
| Stamp Paper Used | Watermarked Multistar |
| Stamp Printed At | ISP NASIK |
| Number Printed | 0.57 Million |
| Number In Sheet | 160 |
| Stamp Printing Type | Offset Litho |
| Stamp Design By | T.I.Archer |
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