Indian Airlines was formed in 1953. Starting with Dakotas and Skymsters, the airline has progressively modernised its fleet which in 1976 consisted of 12 Boeing 737s, 5 Caraveles, 8 F-27s, 2 Viscounts, 15 HS-748s and 2 Airbus A300 B2 aircraft (one more was expected to join the fleet in January 1977). Jet era dawned on India in the introduction of Caravelles in 1963. These effidient medium-seized jets reduced the flying time considerably. Modernisation and expansion continued and 1970 saw the introduction of Boeing 737s in the airline's network. ith its natural beauty, historical monuments, art and culture, India attracts a large number of tourists year after year. Nearly half a million came in 1975. Almost 85 per cent of the tourists who visit India travel by Indian Airlines. The passenger traffic today is over 10,000 per day. ith the entry of the airline into the xclusive ide-body club, Indian Airlines is the first airline in Asia to introduce the ide-body jet on domestic routes.
The introduction of Airbus A300 B2 on Indian Airlines network from December 1, 1976 heralded a new era in the history of Indian Civil Aviation. The faster and quieter 278-seater Airbus powered by two CF6-50 engines flew on the trunk routes serving passengers between Bombay-Delhi, Bombay-Calcutta, Bombay-Madras, Bombay-Bangalore and Delhi-Calcutta. With a normal complements of passengers the Airbus also carried 10 tonnes of cargo on each flight.
The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department feels brought out a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the introduction of Airbus.
The stamp depicts Indian Airlines Airbus aircraft taking off. The stripes symbolise some of the routes.
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