The Royal Mail has unveiled a special collection of stamps to honour the 50th anniversary of the first commercial Concorde flights, which departed on January 21, 1976. This commemorative release celebrates the supersonic aircraft's enduring legacy of innovation and engineering brilliance.
Commemorative Stamps and Nose Drop Events
A set of twelve stamps has been produced, with eight featuring photography of British Airways' Concordes throughout their operational history. These images capture key moments, including the inaugural and final commercial journeys. One particularly striking design shows four Concordes flying in formation to mark a decade of service. An additional four stamps are presented in a miniature sheet format, offering collectors a comprehensive tribute.
In a synchronised tribute, the nose cones of three Concorde planes displayed at Aerospace Bristol, Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park, and the Imperial War Museum Duxford in Cambridgeshire will be lowered simultaneously at 11.40am today. This gesture replicates the distinctive hydraulic operation used during take-off and landing, providing pilots with enhanced runway visibility. The timing precisely marks the moment when, fifty years ago, the first commercial flights took off.
Historical Significance and Legacy
On that historic day in 1976, a British Airways flight departed from London Heathrow to Bahrain concurrently with an Air France flight leaving Paris Charles de Gaulle for Rio de Janeiro. Concorde, born from a collaborative Anglo-French project, became a symbol of national pride and technological ambition.
Renowned for its cruising speed of 1,350mph—twice the speed of sound—the aircraft could traverse a mile in just 2.75 seconds. It swiftly became the preferred mode of travel for affluent passengers, including celebrities like Joan Collins, Sir Paul McCartney, and Diana, Princess of Wales, who enjoyed its luxurious amenities such as fine wines and gourmet cuisine.
David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy at the Royal Mail, commented: "Concorde remains one of the most iconic achievements in aviation history, and we're proud to celebrate its legacy with this special set of stamps. These designs pay tribute to the innovation, elegance and engineering excellence that made Concorde a symbol of British ingenuity and ambition."
Industry Reflections and Additional Celebrations
Hamish McVey, Marketing Director for British Airways, added: "Concorde represents a landmark chapter in our history at British Airways, embodying the pioneering spirit of British innovation and creativity that remains integral to our brand today."
Further commemorative activities include a dinner at Brooklands Museum in Surrey, where aviation enthusiasts can hear from eight former Concorde pilots and view archival material. This event follows last week's launch of a new 50p coin by the Royal Mint, also celebrating Concorde's legacy.
Despite its retirement in October 2003, attributed by British Airways and Air France to declining passenger numbers and escalating maintenance costs, Concorde's impact on aviation and popular culture endures. These new stamps and events ensure that its story of speed, luxury, and engineering marvel continues to inspire future generations.
