1960 - 1965 Air-India Boeing 707 Era.

Air-India 1960 - 1965 Boeing 707 Era.

Boeing 707 first introduced on the Bombay - London service
19 April 1960

The Boeing 707-437 aircraft with Rolls Royce engines was first used on this flight. VT-DJJ (VT-DVA?) Annapurna was the aircraft used. This aircraft crashed at Bombay on 22 June 1982.

The Boeing 707-437 aircraft with Rolls Royce engines was first used on this flight. VT-DJJ (VT-DVA?) Annapurna was the aircraft used. This aircraft crashed at Bombay on 22 June 1982.
The cover bears the autographs of Capt. Byramjee and Capt. K.R. Gazder.
(Image Courtesy - Mr. Harsh Gupta, The Rudraksha Collection)

Cover flown from Bombay to London on the inaugural Boeing 707 service, Franked with 33p Book Post rate.
The air mail label printed on the cover has a unified map of India, Pakistan and Burma, Notwithstanding the face that Burma was separated in 1937, and Pakistan in 1947.

The Boeing 707-437 aircraft with Rolls Royce engines was first used on this flight. VT-DJJ (VT-DVA?) Annapurna was the aircraft used. This aircraft crashed at Bombay on 22 June 1982.

Air Mail cover with the purple 'Bombay-London Boeing 707 Inaugural Service, Bombay 19th April 1960' Air-India special stamps adding up to Rs.1.05 with circular Bombay G.P.O. date cancellation mark

London - Bombay on Boeing 707
Rome - Bombay stage - 21 April 1960

Air Mail cover with violet boxed rectengular cachet for the Boeing 707 flight on the Rome - Bombay stage flown on 21 April 1960.

Official Air-India stationary printed souvenir cover with violet boxed rectengular cachet for the First Boeing 707 Flight on the Rome - Bombay stage flown on 21 April 1960.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Bombay - New York route
14 May 1960

The Bombay - London service was extended to New York once a week.
Air-India souvenir cover with Air-India purple commemoration rubber stamp and Bombay G.P.O. date cancellation stamp.

Air Mail postcard tied with Calcutta cancellation dated 13-5-60 and hand stamped in dark blue A.I.I CALCUTTA, and written by hand First Flight, Bombay = New York. On the reverse is the date 14-5-60, and list of flight crew designations, and all their signatures.
(Pilot's signature is missing)

The cover flown from Bombay to London route, extended to New York.
The cover bears the autograph of the Capt. K.R. Gazder and D.J. Bilmoria
(Image Courtesy - Mr. Harsh Gupta, The Rudraksha Collection)

Aerogramme with 75 np value pre-printed and cancelled BOMBAY G.P.O. / 14 MAY 60, and also bears the oval violet First Flight commemoration cachet, which travelled on the first flight. While mail on this flight is quite common, aerogrammes are considered scarce/rare.

Commercial Air Mail cover tied with Bombay cancellation dated 14-5-60 and hand stamped with dark blue overfirst flight cachet, addressed to Benicia, California, U.S.A., with additional franking on reverse. Rare to see commercial mail on this flight.

Bombay - London stage
Cover flown from Bombay to London on the inaugural Boeing 707 service to New York. Franked with 33p Book Post rate. The Air Mail label printed on the cover has a unified map of India, Pakistan and Burma, notwithstanding the face that Burma was separated in1937, and Pakistan in1947.

Air-India first flight from Bombay to New York
Boeing 707, 14th May 1960
Air Mail cover recording the flight stops as Bombay-Beirut-Frankfurt-New York. (The flight did halt at London as well).

Return Flight New York - Bombay
14 May 1960

Air Letter (Aerogramme) cover with U.S. Mail mark dated 14 May 1960 and Light Blue Air-India flight commemoration cachet on front, and Bombay Airport receiving stamp dated 16.5.1960 on the reverse.

Cover with United Nations Cancellation mark dated 14 May 1960 and green Air India flight commemoration stamp on front, and Bombay Airport receiving stamp dated 16.5.60 on the reverse

Post Card with United Nations Cancellation mark dated 14 May 1960 and green Air India flight commemoration stamp on front, and Bombay Airport receiving stamp dated 16.5.60 on the front.

Cover with Idelwild Airport, N.Y. cancellation mark and purple Air-India flight commemoration stamp on front, and Bombay Airport receiving stamp dated 16.5.60 on the reverse.

Air Mail cover with United Nations Cancellation mark dated 14 May 1960 and green Air-India flight commemoration stamp on front, and Bombay Airport receiving stamp dated 16.5.60 on the reverse.

Cover with green rectengular boxed return flight cachet, and five different U.N. Postage stamps and addressed to Denmark. The reverse has the Bombay Airport arrival mark.

Air Letter (Aerogramme) cover twith United Nations cancellation mark dated 14 May 1960 and green Air-India flight commemoration stamp on front, and Bombay Airport receiving stamp dated 16.5.60 on the reverse.

Air-India first flight from New York to Bombay
Boeing 707, 14th May 1960
United Nations airmail post-card and adhesives with green boxed first flight cachet.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Rome - New York Sector
20 May 1960

This souvenir card was inserted inside the commemorative Air-India cover issued for the Flight on the Bombay - New York sector with the introduction of Rome as a halt for the first time.

This is the commemorative Air-India cover issued for the flight on Bombay-New York sector with the introduction of Rome as a halt for the first time.

First Flight - Route Extension to Calcutta of the Bombay - New York Sector
9 June 1960

Calcutta - Cairo sector

The Bombay - New York service via Cairo, Rome, Frankfurt and London was extended to start from Calcutta.
Air Mail cover with Air-India purple commemoration rubber stamp and CALCUTTA FOREIGN POST date cancellation stamp of 9 June 1960. This cover was flown on Calcutta - New York route.

Calcutta - Rome sector

The Bombay - New York service via Cairo, Rome, Frankfurt and London was extended to start from Calcutta.
Air Mail cover with Air-India purple commemoration rubber stamp and Calcutta Foreign post date cancellation stamp of 9 June 1960. This cover flown Calcutta - Rome arrival stamp on reverse dated 10 VI 1960.

Calcutta - Frankfurt sector

Calcutta - London sector

The Bombay - New York service via Cairo, Rome, Frankfurt and London was extended to start from Calcutta.
Air Mail cover with Air-India purple commemoration rubber stamp and CALCUTTA FOREIGN POST date cancellation stamp of 9 June 1960. This cover flown on Calcutta - London stage.

The Bombay - New York service via Cairo, Rome, Frankfurt and London was extended to start from Calcutta.
Double Print Airmail cover with Air-India purple commemoration rubber stamp and CALCUTTA FOREIGN POST date cancellation stamp of 9 June 1960. This cover flown on Calcutta - London stage.

Calcutta - New York sector

The Bombay - New York service via Cairo, Rome, Frankfurt and London was extended to start from Calcutta.
Air Mail cover with Air-India purple commemoration rubber stamp and CALCUTTA FOREIGN POST date cancellation stamp of 9 June 1960. This cover flown on Calcutta - New York Stage.

Geneva - Bombay
First Jet Flight, Boeing 707
3 July 1960

Registered Cover with Geneva Registration Label No 707 dated 2 VII 60 and Bombay Airport receiving stamp dated 7.7.60 on the reverse. Also on reverse a Bombay Custom House Postal Appraising Section hand stamp 'Passed'.
Cover produced by Philatelistenclub Swissair, Zurich.

Air-India first flight from Geneva to Bombay
Boeing 707, 3rd July 1960
Swiss Airmail Collectors club private cover with flight details and interesting Indian Postal Customs handstamp on the reverse.

First Flight on Bombay - Kuwait route
Lockheed Super Constellation l-1049. 4 October 1960

Bombay to Bahrein stage

Bombay to Kuwait stage

The weekly Bombay - Kuwait service was introduced via Karachi and Bahrein.
Souvenir Air-India cover with purple Air-India commemoration handstamp, and Bombay G.P.O. cancellation stamp.
Kuwait delivery stamp dated 5 Oct 60 on the reverse.
The cover bears the autograph of Mr. R. K. Screwwala
(Image Courtesy - Mr. Harsh Gupta, The Rudraksha Collection)

First Boeing 707 Flight on Tokyo - Bombay route.
16 January 1961

The weekly Tokyo - Bombay Boeing 707 service was introduced.
Souvenir Air-India cover with purple Air-India commemoration handstamp, and Tokyo cancellation stamp dated 16.1.61.
Airport Bombay arrival stamp dated 17-1-61 on the reverse.

Tokyo - Karachi Stage

The weekly Tokyo - Bombay Boeing 707 service was introduced.
Air Mail cover with Air-India sticker and Tokyo cancellation stamp dated 16.1.61.
Airport Bombay arrival stamp dated 17-1-61 on the reverse. The cover was then flown onward to Karachi and delivered on 21 January.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Tokyo - Bombay on 16 January 1961.

Cover posted at Tokyo airport on 16 Jan 1961, and bears the violet oval special Air-India first flight cachet. Also with a rare label WITH THE COMPLEMENTS OF AIR-INDIA INTERNATIONAL.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Bombay - Tokyo Sector.
25 January 1961

Bombay - Calcutta Stage

Air Mail cover flown from Bombay to Calcutta on the inaugural Boein 707 service of Air-India to Tokyo.
Post marked Bombay G.P.O. 25 Jan 1961. and with the special Air-India first flight cachet.

Bombay - Hong Kong Stage

Air Mail cover flown from Bombay tp Hong Kong on the inaugural Boeing 707 service of Air-India to Tokyo.
Postmarked Bombay G.P.O. 25 Jan 61, and with the special Air-India first flight cachet.

Bombay - Tokyo Stage

Air Mail cover flown from Bombay to Tokyo on the inaugural Boeing 707 service of Air-India to Tokyo.
Postmarked Bombay G.P.O. 25 Jan 1961, and with the special Air-India first flight cachet.

The weekly Bombay - Tokyo Boeing 707 service was introduced.
Souvenir Air-India cover with purple Air-India commemoration handstamp, and Bombay G.P.O. cancellation stamp dated 15.Jan.61.
Tokyo AP arrival stamp dated 25-1-61 on the reverse.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Bombay - Tokyo on 25 January 1961.

Illustrated Air Mail cover in colour. Interesting variant to the other known mono-colour version.

Calcutta - Bangkok Stage

Airmail postcard with Indian Philatelic Bureau, Calcutta 25.1.61 cancellation, and rectangular Air-India hand stamp. Also, on front Bangkok G.P.O. receiving stamp of 26.1.61

Calcutta - Hong Kong Stage

Airmail postcard with Indian Pjilatelic Bureau, Calcutta 25.1.61 cancellation, and rectangular Air-India hand stamp.
also, on reverse Hong Kong receiving stamp of 26-1-1961. There is a special stamp Agricultural Show 4th - 5th Feb.

Calcutta - Tokyo Stage

Airmail postcard with Indian Philatelic Bureau, Calcutta 25.1.61 cancellation, and rectangular Air-India hand stamp.
Also on front Tokyo AP receiving stamp of 26.1.61

First Boeing 707 Flight on Boeing - Nairobi route
4 May 1961

The cover was flown on the first flight on the Bombay - Nairobi route
The cover bears the autograph of the Capt. Byramjee.
(Image Courtesy - Mr. Harsh Gupta, The Rudraksha Collection)

The once a week Bombay - Nairobi via Aden service was launched on 4 May 1961.
Discontinuance of l-1049 Super Constellation service on this route, and halt at Karachi ommited.

First Boeing 707 Non-Stop flight Rome - Bombay
On the London - Bombay Route
4 May 1961

On 3 May 1961, Zurich was discontinued as a scheduled halt on the U.K. route.
Rome was introduced as a halt instead.
This cover was flown on the return non-stop flight from Rome to Bombay on 4 May 1961.

First Boeing 707 flight from Prague to Bombay
4 May 1961

Air Mail cover mailed in Denmark addressed to Bombay via Prague, flown on the first Air-India Boeing 707 service
AI 108 on the Prague - Bombay stage.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Nairobi - Bombay route
5 May 1961

The cover was flown on the first return flight on the Nairobi - Bombay route.
The cover bears the autograph of the Capt. Byramjee.

Return flight cover.
The once a week Bombay - Nairobi via Aden service was launched on 4 May 1961.
Discontinuance of L-1049 Super Constellation service on this route, and halt at Karachi ommited.

First Boeing 707 flight Vienna - Bombay via Rome
On the London - Bombay route.
23 May 1961

Vienna was introduced as a halt on the Bombay - London route.
This cover was flown on the return flight from Vienna to Bombay via Rome on 23 May 1961.

Air-India first flight from Vienna to Bombay
Boeing 707, 23rd May 1961

An unusual Air-India first flight cover. A specially printed cover for the Air-India first flight Vienna - Bombay on 23 May 1961 appears to have been flown first on a balloon flight on 16 May, 1961. It was then flown to Bombay on the AI FF.
(Image Courtesy: Rudolph Pinto)

First Boeing 707 flight Bombay - Vienna
On the London - Bombay route
23 May 1961

Vienna was introduced as a halt on the Bombay - London route.
This cover was flown on the return flight from Vienna to Bombay via Rome on 23 May 1961.
The covers have 2 additional cachets, LupostaWien 101, and Ersttag.

Goodwill Youth Mission from Japan
22 March 1962

Original photo - The Goodwill Youth Mission from Japan comprising of theree boys and girls, all teenagers, arrived in Bombay by Air-India.

The Goodwill Youth Mission from Japan.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Bombay - Moscow route
6 April 1962

Special cover introduced on the occasion and signed by the pilot, Capt. S. F. Pedder.

The once a week Bombay - Moscow service was launched on 6th April 1962.
Halt at Tashkent omitted.

Flight information card carried in the cover.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Moscow - Bombay sector
7 April 1962
Cover signed by Pilot - Capt. Pedder

Cover flown on the return flight from Moscow to Bombay on 7 April 1962.
Halt at Tashkent omitted.

Flight information card carried in the cover.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Bombay - Bahrain route
2 May 1962

Bahrain was introduced as a schedule halt on the India - U.S.A. service on a once a week basis.
The cover bears the autograph of Capt. A M Kapur.
(Image Courtesy: Mr. Harsh Gupta, The Rudraksha Collection)

Air-India Boeing 707 Inaugural Flight Bombay - Bahrain 1962.

Bahrain was introduced as a scheduled halt on the India - U.S.A. service on a once a week basis.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Bahrain - Bombay route
4 May 1962

Bahrain was introduced as a schedule halt on the India - U.S.A. service on a once a week basis. The cover was flown on the return flight.
The cover bears the autograph of Capt. D J Bilmoria.
(Image Courtesy: Mr. Harsh Gupta, The Rudraksha Collection)

The aircraft used on the return flight was the Boeing 707-460 Everest VT-DJK under the command of Captain D J Bilmoria. It left Bahrain at 2030 GMT (4.5.62) and arrived in Bombay at 23:40 GMT (4.5.62).
Cover signed by the pilot.

Bahrain was introduced as a schedule halt on the India - U.S.A. service on a once a week basis. The cover was flown on the return flight.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Bombay to Sydney route
7 May 1962

Boeing 707s were introduced on the Sydney route with the service operating via Bangkok instead of via Madras.
Withdrawal of Super Constellation from scheduled operations.
The cover bears the autograph of Capt. S F Pedder.
(Image Courtesy: Mr. Harsh Gupta, The Rudraksha Collection)

Boeing 707s were introduced on the Sydney route with the service operating via Bangkok instead of via Madras.
Withdrawal of Super Constellation from scheduled operations.

Boeing 707s were introduced on the Sydney route with the service operating via Bangkok instead of via Madras.
Withdrawal of Super Constellations from scheduled operations.

Flight Information Card

First Boeing 707 Flight on Sydney to Bombay route
9 May 1962

Boeing 707s were introduced on the Sydney route with the service operating via Bangkok instead of via Madras.
Withdrawal of Super Constellation from scheduled operations.
This cover was flown on the return flight.
The cover bears the autograph of Capt. S F Pedder

Hand Painted Cover prepared for the occasion and addressed to Karachi. Also in the corner is R.W.B., probably the artist’s initials.

Airmail service from India
Leipziger Autumn Fair - Special 1962

The postcard was flown from India to Germany especially for the Leipzig autumn fair, 1962. The front side of the cover bears the cachet SONDERFLUGVERKEHR LEIPZIGER HERBSTMESSE 1962. Postmarked DELHI G.P.O. - 6, 1-9-62.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Bombay -Sydney route via Perth
1 October 1962

Perth was introduced on the Sydney route as a scheduled halt instead of Darwin which was a technical halt.

Perth was introduced on the Sydney route as a scheduled halt instead of Darwin which was a technical halt.
This cover is postmarked 17 October 62, which is 2 weeks after the date of the first flight. Intresting postal marks of the front and reverse of the cover. Unlikely to have been flown on the first flight.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Sydney - Bombay route via Perth
3 October 1962

Perth was introduced on the Sydney route as a scheduled halt instead of Darwin which was a technical halt.
This cover was flown on the return flight.

Perth was introduced on the Sydney route as a scheduled halt instead of Darwin which was a technical halt.
This cover, addressed to W. Germany, was flown on the return flight.

Hand Painted Cover prepared for the occasion and addressed to Karachi. Also in the corner is R.W.B., probably the artist’s initials.

30th Anniversary of Air-India, Commemorative flight from Karachi to Bombay
De Havilland vintage airplane, 15th October 1962

Souvenir cover carried on flight piloted by J.R.D. Tata on a flight to mark the 30th anniversary of the founding of the airline.

First Boeing 707 Direct Flight on Geneva - Sydney Sector
Flight on 1 April 1963

This is the commemorative Air-India cover issued for the direct flight on 1 April 1963.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Sydney - Bombay route extension to Nandi (Fiji)
3 August 1964

The Sydney route was extended to Nandi (Fiji) on 3 August 1964.
This is the commemorative Air-India cover issued for this flight.

First Boeing 707 Flight of Sydney - Bombay route extension to Nandi (Fiji).
Return Flight on 5 August 1964.

The Sydney route was extended to Nandi (Fiji) on 3 August 1964.
This is a commemorative Air-India cover issued for this flight flown on the return flight on 5 August 1965.

Visit of H.H. Pope Paul VI
38th International Eucharistic Congress, Bombay.
Cover dated 28 November 1964.

The cover was issued in advance of the visit of H.H. Pope Paul VI and was flown by Air Mail Second Class from Bombay to the Vatican City on 28th November 1964. The cover is postmarked Bombay G.P.O. 28.Nov.64 and bears the arrival postmark Poste Roma A.D., 30 XI 1964, Upon arrival at the Vatican this cover was franked by a Vatican Post L.15 postage stamp and tied with circular cancellation mark, Citta Del Vaticano 30.11.64. Posta Aerea.
It has a picture of the Pope addressing the crowd in Bombay.

Visit of Pope Paul VI from Rome to Bombay by Air-India
Special flight on 2 December 1964.

Pope Paul VI visited Bombay on a special Air-India flight.
This is the commemorative Air-India cover issued for this flight flown on 2 December 1964 franked with Vatican Cisty Stamps issued specially for this occasion showing various scenes of Bombay.

Pope Paul VI visited Bombay on a special Air-India flight.
This cover was flown on 2 December 1964 franked with Vatican Cisty Stamps and cancellation mark Poste Vaticane.

Visit of H.H. Pope Paul VI
38th International Eucharistic Congress, Bombay.
Cover dated 2 December 1964 flown on the special Air-India flight.

This cover was flown from Vatican City, Fiumicino Airport, Rome, Italy. The cover is franked with Vatican Post Stamps, some of which were issued specially to commemorate the visit to India, and postmarked Poste Vaticane 2 Dic 1964 Emissions. There is also a special cancellation which reads Paulus Pp. Vi/Cristum Adorations/ In Signum Dilectionis/ Erga Omnes Populos/ Ad Indiarum Advolat Oras, and a rectangular cachet Dispaccio Aereo Speciale Citta'del Vaticano - Bombay. On the reverse is an delivery stamp, Bombay, Dely 4 Dec 64, and Citia Del Vaticano - 5.12.64 - 19 Posta Aerea.

The cover was issued to commemorate the arrival of H.H. Pope Paul VI at the Int. Eucharistic Congress in Mumbai. The cover is franked with 2x15p Indian postage stamps, tied with postmarked 2-12-64, Bombay G.P.O. and additionally franked with Poste Vatican L.15 postage stamp, with postmark Citta Del Vaticano 2.12.64. Posta Aerea. It was flown as second class by Airmail. The cover has the picture of Pope arrving amidst the crowd in an open car.

This cover was flown from Vatican City, Fiumicino Airport, Rome, Italy. The cover is franked with Vatican Post stamps, some of which were issued specially to commemorate teh visit to India, and Postmarked Poste vaticane 2 Dic 1964 Die Emissions. Limited edition, one of only 100 printed.

Visit of H.H. Pope Paul VI
38th International Eucharistic Congress, Bombay.
Cover flown on the special Air-India flight, and return Alitalia flight.

This cover was flown Vatican City to Bombay postmarked Poste Vaticane Die Emissions 2 Dic. 1964.
It bears the cachet Paulus Pp. Vi/ Cristum Adorations/ In Signum Dilections/ Erga Omnes Populas/ Ad Indiarum Advolat Oras. This cover was flown back to Vatican City on the return of H.H. Pope Paul VI. An has another Italy post L.20 postage stamp tied with date cancellation Poste Fiumicino Aerop, Roma, 5-12-1964. On the verso, it bears the arrival postmark Roma Fiucimino Aeroporto 2.12.65. 15 Arrivi.

Visit of H.H. Pope Paul VI
38th International Eucharistic Congress, Bombay.
Cover dated 3 December 1964.

The cover was issued to commemorate the arrival of H.H. Pope Paul VI at the Int. Eucharistic Congress in Mumbai. The cover is franked with 2x15p Indian postage stamps, tied with postmarked 3-12-64, Bombay G.P.O. and additionally franked with Poste Vatican L.25 postage stamp, with postmark Citta Del Vaticano 3.12.64. Posta Aerea. It was flown as second class by Airmail. The cover bears the a picture of India President, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan along with H.H. Pope Paul VI, another picture shows the Pope addressing the a group of non-Christians, and the third has the Pope consecrating five bishops from five continents.

Visit of H.H. Pope Paul VI
38th International Eucharistic Congress, Bombay.
Cover dated 4 December 1964.

The cover was issued to commemorate the arrival of H.H. Pope Paul VI at the Int. Eucharistic Congress in Mumbai. The cover is franked with 2x15p Indian postage stamps, tied with postmarked 4-12-64, Bombay G.P.O. and additionally franked with Poste Vatican L.25 postage stamp, with postmark Citta Del Vaticano 4.12.64. Posta Aerea. It was flown as second class by Airmail. The cover bears the picture of H.H. Pope Paul VI giving message to the World from Bombay. On the verso, the cover bears the message meant for the press in English and Italian.

Return of Pope Paul VI from Bombay to Rome by Alitalia Special flight on 5 December 1964.

Pope Paul VI, wearing a garland, gives farewell blessing before entering jetliner at Bombay, India on 5th December 1964
for a return flight to Rome.

The cover issued for the return flight of the H.H. Pope Paul VI from Bombay - Vatican City. The cover flew Second Class and was carried as air mail. The cover franked by 2x15p India postage stamp, and postmarked Bombay G.P.O. 5.Dec.64. Additionally franked with Poste Vatican L.25 postage stamp, cancelled Citia Del Vaticano -5.12.64- 19 Posta Aerea. The Pope is seen in the picture on the cover boarding the special Alitalia flight for his return journey.

Indian Airmails