World's First Airmail Service Begins
The world's first airmail service began on May 15, 1918, marking a significant advancement in mail delivery methods. Operated by the United States Air Service under the authority of the Post Office, the service started with an initial funding of $100,000 allocated by Congress. The inaugural flight took place between New York City and Washington, D.C., establishing a permanent route that initially featured one round-trip flight each day. Despite high rates for air mail, the service gained popularity due to its speed and reliability compared to traditional mail methods. Over time, new routes were implemented, connecting most major cities across the nation. The War Department provided vital support in terms of aircraft and pilots until August 1918, after which the operation was solely managed by the Post Office. In a move towards privatization, the airmail service was discontinued on August 31, 1927, transitioning to private air-cargo contractors. This pioneering initiative played a crucial role in promoting the development of commercial air transportation in the United States and internationally.
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World's First Airmail Service Begins
World's First Airmail Service Begins
The world's first airmail service began on May 15, 1918, when the United States Air Service began flying mail for the U.S. Post Office. The air service was operated directly by the Post Office and had been authorized by Congress with an initial appropriation of $100,000 to get it up and running. There had been experimental flights before, and some irregular air mail deliveries by local pilots, but nothing approaching a national service.
That first flight by the air service in May 1918 was between New York City and Washington, D.C., which became a permanent route. At first there was only one round-trip flight between the two cities each day. The rates charged for air mail were high, but the service quickly became popular because of its speed and reliability. New routes were established across the nation until most of the major cities were being served. The War Department assisted the Air Service with aircraft, pilots, and maintenance support until August 1918, when the Air Service became solely a post office operation. Effective August 31, 1927, however, the pioneering Air Service was shut down in favor of hiring private air-cargo contractors to fly the mail. Nevertheless, the operation had helped encourage the growth of commercial air transportation both in the United States and abroad.