2014The Aircraft known to the Azores Islands - First Day Cover

In May 1939, the Azores strengthened the importance of its ocean geographic position with the arrival to the city of Horta, on the Island of Faial, of the first Boeing 314 Clipper four-engined seaplane of the North American airline Pan American Airways. This flight, only carrying mail, was a historic moment in the early days of the development of air transport between the USA and Europe. In July of that same year, the Clipper returned to Horta, this time with passengers. Regular air transport between North America and Europe was to become a routine. The Boeing 314 offered 36 seats in a luxurious and comfortable first class service. The return ticket between New York and Southampton with stopover at Horta and Lisbon was equivalent to a current value of 10,000 euros. The flight between New York and Horta took 13 hours.