50th Anniversary of Civil Aviation in India
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 15, 1982 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 3.25 |
| Quantity | 2,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13¼ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 919 Stamp Number IN 990 Yvert et Tellier IN 730 Stanley Gibbons IN 1054 |
| Themes | Aircraft | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Aviation |
Civil aviation has made significant strides in India over the past fifty years, bringing immense benefits to the country’s transportation system. From its humble beginnings in the 1930s to its current status as a vital link in global trade and commerce, civil aviation has played a crucial role in India’s development.
India’s two flag carriers, Air India and Indian Airlines, together carry nearly eight million passengers annually. Air India operates routes spanning five continents, connecting India with major centers of trade and commerce worldwide. Indian Airlines, on the other hand, has extensive operations within India and to neighboring countries. Both airlines boast modern jet fleets and provide service standards comparable to those of leading international airlines.
Reflecting on the fifty-year history of civil aviation in India, the progress achieved is remarkable. Although India organized the world’s first air mail service in 1911, commercial aviation did not truly take off until the early 1930s. Tata Airlines, founded by J.R.D. Tata, pioneered scheduled airmail service in India in 1932, marking the beginning of commercial aviation in the country.
The government nationalized the air transport industry in 1953 due to the rapid growth of commercial aviation. This led to the creation of two separate corporations: Indian Airlines for domestic operations and Air-India for international operations. Over the following decades, both corporations expanded their fleets and route networks, with Air India acquiring Boeing 747s and Indian Airlines acquiring Airbus A300s and Boeing 737s.
In addition to facilitating domestic and international travel, Indian Airlines and Air India have played a crucial role in India’s progress by providing rapid means of communication. A new third-level carrier, Vayudoot, has been established to serve the mountainous northeastern region of India, with plans for further expansion in the future.
The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department commemorates the fifty-year milestone of civil aviation in India by issuing a special stamp, acknowledging the significant contributions of the aviation sector to the country’s development and connectivity.