Seventy-five years after the launch of the UK’s first official internal Royal Mail airmail service, pilots took to the skies in a classic vintage aircraft today (29 May 2009) to recreate the historic flight between Inverness and Kirkwall.
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the trailblazing flight by Captain Ernest Edmund Fresson, Royal Mail and Highlands and Islands Airports Limited joined the Fresson Trust to re-enact the journey in the same type of vintage de Havillland aircraft used in 1934 – a twin-engined Dragon biplane which operated early passenger services in the North and Islands.
The planes left Inverness airport with a rare cargo of 450 First Day Covers specially commissioned by the Fresson Trust to celebrate the pioneering airmail service which began on 29 May 1934.
The First Day Covers, which also contain a brief history of Captain Fresson, Highland Airways and the Royal Mail’s first airmail, were presented to the pilot of the Dragon aircraft in a short ceremony at Inverness airport. A second celebration took place at Kirkwall where the incoming mail was accepted and another batch of First Day Covers handed over for the journey back to Inverness.
The inaugural airmail flight was one of many aviation firsts by Captain Fresson. He flew the first passenger service between Inverness and Wick in April 1934 and in November 1934 he operated the first UK air ambulance flight. The Trust, set up in his honour, raises funds to help young people train for careers in aviation.
David Morgan, Fresson Trustee said: “Captain Fresson was aviation visionary. He flew throughout the year in some atrocious weather, carrying passengers, newspapers and one some occasions even livestock, but the airline still achieved a service reliability of 95% - something some modern airlines struggle to maintain.”
Ian Mackay, Director of Scottish Affairs with Royal Mail Group, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the 75 anniversary of the first Royal Mail airmail flight. Airmail ensures the vital delivery of mail to many parts of Scotland and illustrates the sort of first-class service which Royal Mail gives through our one-price-goes-anywhere Universal Service on which the whole country depends.”
Inglis Lyon, Managing Director of HIAL: “Captain Fresson led the way in connecting the islands with the mainland by establishing air links. His skill and dedication paved the way for aviation as the main mode of transport to remote parts of Scotland. HIAL is extremely proud to be part of today’s celebrations as air services continue to fulfil an essential role in the region today.”
For further information on the Fresson Trust or to order one of the commemorative First Day Covers visit the www.fressontrust.org.uk website.
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