This section is for airmail covers that have flown through at least two countries.
First airmail flight between Hong-Kong and San Francisco
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.
The first flight using a Boeing 747B between Johannesburg and London
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.
2 replies on “International Airmail”
The languages on the card are Afrikaans (not German) and English.
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!