International Airmail

This section is for airmail covers that have flown through at least two countries.

First airmail flight between Hong-Kong and San Francisco

Airmail - First flight cover Hong Kong to San Francisco with the China Clipper in 1937
Airmail – First flight cover Hong Kong to San Francisco with the China Clipper in 1937

This cover was in the first airmail flight between Hong-Kong and San Francisco. A Martin M-130, the Pan Am China Clipper, carried the mail. The aircraft left Hong-Kong on April 28th, 1937 and arrived in San Francisco on May 4th, 1937. Many stopovers were part of the route and are indicated on the cover.

The China Clipper was destroyed in 1945 when its double hull ruptured due to a collision with an obstacle in the waters of Port-of-Spain, Trininad. The aircraft sank and 23 people were killed. There was only 7 survivors.

Airmail - First flight cover Hong Kong to San Francisco with the China Clipper in 1937. Back of cover.
Airmail – First flight cover Hong Kong to San Francisco with the China Clipper in 1937. Back of cover.

The first flight using a Boeing 747B between Johannesburg and London

December 10th,1971. First flight cover of a SAL /SAA Boeing 747B doing Johannesburg to London
December 10th,1971. First flight cover of a SAL /SAA Boeing 747B doing Johannesburg to London
December 11 th 1971. Back cover of an airmail cover for the first flight of the "LEBOMBO" Boeing 747B from Johannesburg to London.11 décembre 1971. Also includes dates December 12th 1971 for the return flight to Johannesburg
December 11 th 1971. Back cover of an airmail cover for the first flight of the “LEBOMBO” Boeing 747B from Johannesburg to London.11 décembre 1971. Also includes dates December 12th 1971 for the return flight to Johannesburg

The Boeing 747-200B carries more fuel and is equipped with more powerful engines than the standard model. Since the ‘90s, Air Force One has been using two aircrafts of that type. They are designated as Boeing VC-25A.

« Lebombo » last flight for South African Airways happened on November 2003. After almost 32 years in service, ZS-SAN « Lebombo » was retired from the fleet and given to the South African Airways Museum Society where it is used for all kind of activities like aviation awereness programmes, school tours, product launches, etc.

Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens -South African Airways Boeing 747B LEBOMBO. This card was included in the first flight airmail enveloppe for the Johannesburg-London trip on December 10th, 1971.
Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens -South African Airways Boeing 747B LEBOMBO. This card was included in the first flight airmail enveloppe for the Johannesburg-London trip on December 10th, 1971.
A card describing, in German and English, the characteristics of the S.A.A / S.A.L Boeing 747B. This card was included in the airmail cover on the first flight Johannesburg - London in 1971­.
A card describing, in Afrikaans and English, the characteristics of the S.A.A / S.A.L Boeing 747B. This card was included in the airmail cover on the first flight Johannesburg – London in 1971­.

2 replies on “International Airmail”

Barry, glad you noticed the mistake and took the time to write. I have since learned German but forgot about my description on that card, which was posted a few years ago. Many thanks!

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