Australia: First Regular Air Service to South Africa

The first direct air service between Australia and South Africa (via Cocos Island and Mauritius) operated by Qantas commenced on September 1, 1952. Before that air mail to South Africa was flown via North Africa and took seven days in average. The new service had only a three days lead time.

The opportunity to send philatelic mail with this flight was announced early (in June 1952). A special cachet was designed for this philatelic mail. 

Special rates applied (per ½ oz): 

• to Cocos Island: 6 ½ d one-way, 1s 1d return
• to Mauritius or South Africa: 2 s one-way, 4 s return

Aerogrammes had to be franked at these rates, too.

This aerogramme was sent with this service (one-way). But is only franked at the usual 10 d aerogramme rate and should have been either taxed as short paid or rejected.

 

The aerogramme above is properly franked at 4 s for the return service.