First Air Mail Centenary

The centenary of the first air mail between New York City and Washington DC in 1918 marks a significant milestone in aviation and postal history. On May 15, 1918, the United States Post Office Department initiated the first scheduled airmail service in the country, revolutionizing the way mail was transported and delivered. The historic flight, piloted by Army Air Service pilot Lt. George L. Boyle, carried mail from Belmont Park in New York to Washington DC's Potomac Park. This groundbreaking achievement paved the way for the development of air mail as a reliable and efficient means of communication. The centenary celebration of this inaugural flight pays tribute to the pioneers who bravely embarked on this historic journey, highlighting their contributions to the advancement of aviation and postal services. The event serves as a reminder of the remarkable progress made over the past century, as air mail continues to play a vital role in connecting people and delivering correspondence across vast distances.