Australia Post is commemorating the 100th anniversary of Australia’s first domestic airmail flight with a limited stamp issue and a re-enactment of the first flight.
The stamp issue commemorates 100 years since French aviator Maurice Guillaux made the first air mail flight in Australia between Melbourne and Sydney from July 16 and July 18 1914. The flying time was just 9.25 hours and included seven stops en route.
“The development of aviation greatly influenced transport and communications in the early 20th century, and in a country such as Australia it helped overcome the tyranny of distance,” Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said in a statement. “We are pleased to release this commemorative stamp issue, marking a significant milestone in postal and aviation history.”
Guillaux’s flight will be re-enacted on July 12-14 by award-winning Australian Aviation contributor Owen Zupp with the support of the Aviation Historical Society of Australia (NSW), and with a supporting relay of other historical aircraft that will join him on the trip.
Like he did in his ‘There and Back’ around Australia adventure a few years ago, Owen will again fly a Jabiru, and his route will take him from Essendon to Mangalore, Benalla, Wangaratta, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Temora, Harden, Goulburn, Mittagong, Bankstown and Sydney.
The 100th Anniversary of First Air Mail stamp issue is available from July 1 at participating Australia Post retail outlets or online at here. More details about Owen’s flight can be found here.
