Air India flew internationally on 8th June, 1948 when its Bombay - London service, via Cairo & Geneva was inaugurated. A special 12as postage stamp showing a Lockheed Constellation was issued to be used on mails sent on the first flight. This stamp was valid for one day only. Mails were postmarked with a special rectangular cachet. The aircraft used was a Lockheed Constellation L-749A named Malabar Princess, registration VT-CQP. However, some privately printed first flight covers had the aircraft name printed as "Rajput Princess". Air India issued special long covers which became their trademark in the next two decades.
I have posted some Air India First Flight covers in the Air India First Flight cover page. Here are some of the images:
Cover is signed by the pilot.
Cover is signed by the pilot.
Cover is signed by the pilot.
Cover is signed by the pilot.
