Indian Air Transport Nationalization

There were 9 Air Transport operators in India in 1953 most of who were facing problems. From time to time many policies were framed to help the Airways Companies but they were not sufficient for them to survive. Then the Ministry of Communication, Government of India appointed the air Transport Inquiry Committee to scrutinise all the problems affecting the Indian Air Transport Industry and to recommend measures to stablize its economic position and ensure future development. A tentative decision to nationalize air industry was taken.

The Air Corporation Bill was legislated into an Act by which two nationalized Air Corporations were formed on on 15th June 1953. These were Indian Airlines Corporation (for operation of internal air services in the country and adjacent countries like Burma, Ceylon and Pakistan) and the Air India International for operation of long distance International Services.

Nine companies were nationalized from 1st August, 1953:

1. Air India Ltd.

2. Air Services of India Ltd.

3. Airways India

4. Bharat Airways

5. Deccan Airways

6. Himalayan Aviation Ltd.

7. Indian National Airways

8. Kalinga Airlines

9.Air India International Ltd.

A Special Cover with a Commemorative Cancellation was issued on the occasion from all Philatelic Bureaux. The cancellation is found in black and violet inks.

Air India First Flight covers

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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.

New page added title:  Tata Air Mails 1932-46

History of Tata Airlines (precursor of Air India) told through aero-philately.

Click on the link:   

http://aerophilatelist.blogspot.in/p/blog-page_24.html