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India’s first flight, an airmail service, debuted in UP. The Humber biplane touched down near Naini after arriving in over 100 packages
The pilot was Henry Picquet, who flew the Humber Biplane carrying 6,500 letters, establishing a world record as the first airmail flight globally. (News18)
Do you know where the first aeroplane landed in India? Where did it take off from? How many people were on board? What type of aircraft was it? And why did it set a world record as soon as it took flight? This plane flew only six miles, remained airborne for a few minutes, and travelled at a speed that could be outrun on foot.
You might be curious about how it landed in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, after arriving from overseas, astonishing people who had never seen anything like it before. Until then, it was believed humans could not fly.
The Historic Flight: Allahabad To Naini
This historic event occurred 114 years ago, on February 18, 1911, when the plane landed in Naini, a town near Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh. The flight began at Allahabad and covered six miles (9.6 kilometres) to Naini in 13 minutes.
The aircraft was a Humber Biplane, the first to arrive and fly in India.
Speed And Significance
The average speed was approximately 40 to 45 miles per hour (64 to 72 km/h), typical for early aeroplanes of that era. It ran on special aviation petrol and was slower than a bus; even a swift runner could have outrun it on the ground.
Its key achievement was simply the ability to fly. The flight marked the first commercial airmail service in India, symbolising a major milestone.
The Pilot And The Historic Mail Flight
The pilot was Henry Picquet, who flew the Humber Biplane carrying 6,500 letters, establishing a world record as the first airmail flight globally. The journey began at the Polo Ground in Allahabad and ended at Naini Junction.
How Did The Plane Reach India?
The British and Colonial Aeroplane Company shipped the plane to India in 1911 to display it at the UP Exhibition and the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
It arrived by sea in over 100 parcels, which British engineers painstakingly assembled over several days, attracting many onlookers.
A Crowd Witnesses History
When the plane finally took flight in Prayagraj, around 100,000 people gathered to watch. At the time, Allahabad was a significant British administrative and military centre.
The event was organised by the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company, with planning and permission from British postal authorities, notably Colonel Y. Windham.
The Plane And Its Features
The Humber Biplane was a two-seater, but only the pilot flew that day, as it was intended to transport mail rather than passengers.
Powered by a 50-horsepower piston engine, the plane’s fuel tank held between 30 and 50 litres of aviation-grade petrol, enough for the 13-minute journey.
India’s First Chartered And International Flights
India’s first chartered passenger flight occurred on October 15, 1932, when J.R.D. Tata piloted Tata Airlines’ maiden journey from Karachi to Mumbai. Around this time, India’s first airstrip was constructed, providing a proper runway for take-offs and landings.
The country’s first international flight took place on June 8,1948, with Air India flying from Mumbai to London, carrying 35 passengers.
About The Humber Biplane
Designed and built by the Humber Motor Company in Britain, the Humber Biplane featured two main wings stacked vertically for added lift and stability. Powered by a piston engine and controlled by the pilot, it was primarily used for experimental flights.
Although it paved the way for future aircraft in India, it was eventually retired due to technical and commercial limitations.
- Location :
Uttar Pradesh, India, India
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