50 years since Concorde’s first commercial flight « Euro Weekly News

A new set of commemorative stamps has been issued by the Royal Mail to mark the 50th anniversary of the first commercial Concorde flights, celebrating one of the most iconic achievements in aviation history. The supersonic aircraft entered commercial service on 21 January 1976, when British Airways and Air France simultaneously launched Concorde flights linking Europe with destinations across the Atlantic.

The anniversary is being marked with a special stamp collection honouring Concorde’s technological innovation, distinctive design and lasting cultural impact. The issue reflects the aircraft’s status as a symbol of speed, engineering ambition and international cooperation during the jet age.

Concorde’s historic milestone

First commercial supersonic flights remembered

Concorde’s first commercial services departed on the same day in January 1976, with British Airways operating flights from London to Bahrain and Air France launching services from Paris to Rio de Janeiro via Dakar. These flights marked the first time fare-paying passengers travelled at supersonic speed on a scheduled airline service.

Flying at more than twice the speed of sound, Concorde reduced transatlantic journey times to around three and a half hours. Its introduction represented a major leap forward in civil aviation, combining cutting-edge aerodynamics, advanced materials and unprecedented performance for a passenger aircraft.

Stamp issue celebrates aviation legacy

Design highlights Concorde’s career

The commemorative stamp collection features images spanning Concorde’s operational life, from its early days entering service to its later years as a global icon of luxury travel. The designs focus on the aircraft’s sleek silhouette, delta wing configuration and distinctive nose, which became instantly recognisable worldwide.

The stamps form part of wider anniversary commemorations taking place across the UK and Europe, reflecting the continued public fascination with Concorde decades after its retirement. Museums, aviation groups and heritage organisations are also marking the milestone with events and exhibitions.

Concorde’s enduring cultural impact

More than an aircraft

Beyond its technical achievements, Concorde became a cultural symbol of prestige and ambition. It carried heads of state, business leaders, celebrities and royalty, while also serving as a powerful emblem of British and French engineering excellence.

Although Concorde’s commercial service ended in 2003, its influence continues to shape discussions about future supersonic and high-speed travel. Engineers and aerospace companies still study its design as new projects explore ways to reintroduce faster-than-sound passenger flight using modern technology and sustainability standards.

Key points

• UK Royal Mail reveals new stamps mark 50 years since Concorde’s first commercial flights
• Concorde entered service on January 21 1976
• British Airways and Air France launched flights simultaneously
• Concorde cut journey times by flying at supersonic speeds
• The aircraft remains a lasting symbol of aviation innovation

The anniversary has renewed interest in Concorde’s place in aviation history, highlighting both its achievements and the challenges that ultimately led to its retirement. Rising operational costs, environmental concerns and limited route options meant the aircraft could not continue indefinitely, despite its popularity.

Nevertheless, Concorde’s legacy remains powerful. The stamp issue serves not only as a tribute to the aircraft itself, but also as recognition of a period when commercial aviation pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. Fifty years on from its first commercial flight, Concorde continues to inspire engineers, historians and the travelling public alike.