By Youssef Yahya 
Today marks the 75th anniversary of an iconic event, Air India’s first international journey. A Lockheed Constellation L-749A, aptly named the ‘Malabar Princess,’ ventured on its maiden international voyage. The flight, commanded by Captain KR Gujdar, originated from Mumbai and touched down in London. Departing just past 11:00 pm local time on June 8, 1948, the trip included stopovers at Cairo and Geneva.
Air India’s Evolution Leading to the First International Journey
Air India found its roots in 1932. Renowned industrialist and India’s first licensed pilot, JRD Tata, established it as Tata Air Services. By July 1946, the airline transitioned to the name Air India. Before embarking on this historic flight, “International” was added to the title. JRD Tata celebrated the flight’s announcement with a full-page advertisement in the Times of India on June 3, 1948. The advertisement invited passengers to “Fly with me to London via Cairo and Geneva every Tuesday in a beautiful constellation for Rs. 1,720.”
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Distinguished Passengers of Air India’s First International Journey
35 passengers boarded the inaugural flight, comprising notable figures of Indian society. Maharaja Duleep Singh was among the passengers. Also, two Indian cyclists, HB Malcolm and RR Noble, were making their way to represent India at the London Olympic Games.
JRD Tata and his wife were also on board. Tata carried goodwill messages from Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s Prime Minister, for the prime ministers of Britain and Egypt and the president of the Swiss Republic. Additionally, Tata had letters from India’s Communications Minister Rafi Ahmed Kidwai for his counterparts in these countries.
Celebrating this milestone
The departure of ‘Malabar Princess’ from Mumbai turned into a public spectacle. A massive crowd and press members gathered to capture the event. Upon landing at London Airport, dignitaries like VK Krishna Menon, India’s High Commissioner in the UK, and Tata Ltd’s Managing Director in London, Sir Fredrick James, greeted the passengers. A commemorative stamp was issued to celebrate the occasion. It bore the words “First Flight June 8, 1948” and “Air India International.”
Fast forward to today, and the journey between India and the UK has shortened considerably from the 48 hours it took in 1948. Now, Air India operates services from London Heathrow to multiple Indian destinations. These include Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, and Kochi, using Boeing 787-8 and 777-300ER aircraft.
READ ALSO: EgyptAir Celebrates 91 Years of Service: A Look Back at Its History, Achievements, and Future
Looking back at this historic flight, we realize how much progress aviation has made. So, let’s imagine what the next 75 years of air travel might bring. What are your predictions for the future of aviation?
Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators. He also serves as the Chief-in-Editor of the platform’s website, where he shares his passion for aviation and provides valuable resources for aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike. His love for aviation and entrepreneurial spirit drive him to create innovative solutions, making Aviation for Aviators a unique resource in the aviation sector.
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