Since the early twentieth century, pilots have played an integral role in the transport of air mail. Acknowledging this rich history, two new stamps were officially unveiled today by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of air mail service. During a special ceremony at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum, the USPS announced that the first stamp would be released today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of air mail service, and the second would be released later this year to commemorate the 100th anniversary of air mail being recognized as an official service of the USPS.
The stamps honor air mail carriers and the trailblazers and pioneers who made air mail service the success it is today. The stamps both feature a Curtiss JN-4H biplane, the aircraft commonly used at the beginning of air mail service nearly a century ago. Established in 1931, ALPA’s founders and members served as air mail carriers prior to the rise of commercial air travel. Capt. Dave Behnke, ALPA’s first president, advocated to protect and enhance the working conditions of line pilots.
Read more about the history of air mail and the new USPS Air Mail Forever stamp.