Inauguration of the Airmail Express Service between London and Paris 1919-20

Introduction

Following the experiments carried out by the Royal Air Force and many other pioneers of the skies during and after the Great War with changing air connections, the Postmaster General established the first regular, official airmail connection between London and Paris on 10th November 1919. Once a day (apart from Sundays) airplanes started in London as well as in Paris, transporting letters, postcards, printed paper, business papers and samples for the account of the Royal Mail. Insured mail and packages were not allowed. Following the change of contract from "Aircraft, Travel & Transport Ltd. (ATT)" to "Handley Page (HP)" on 9th May 1920 the service was increased to twice a day on the 12th May 1920.

London-Paris
from 10th November 1919
Inauguration Day
2/6d Air Mail Express fee per oz - mandatory
from 12th May 1920 — Service twice daily
2/— Air Mail fee per oz — 6d Express fee optional
from 22nd July 1920
2d Air Mail fee per oz — 6d Express fee optional

Paris-London (as part of the Royal Mail Contract)
from 10th November 1919
Inauguration Day
3 Francs Air Mail Express fee per 20 gr
from 12th May 1920 — Service twice daily
from 27th August 1920
75 Centimes Air Mail fee per 20 gr — 1 Francs Express fee optional

This display traces the development of the system with objects from all periods going in both directions, including items transported further afield.

(link)

Frame 1

Introduction

London to Paris

Paris to London

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Inauguration of the Airmail Express Service between London and Paris 1919-20

Introduction

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