CSA - Czech Airlines

[alyn]

On May 25th 1963, Czechoslovakia issued two stamps to honour the 40th anniversary of Czechoslovakian Airlines (CSA). The two stamps issued represent the soviet influence on the countries airline operations.

Founded as Chechoslovak State Airlines (Ceskoslovenské Státní Aerolinie) during October 1923 the first flight of this fledgling airline was 321KM from Prague to Braislava.

In 1957 they entered the modern era of air transport when they began to operate the Tupolev 104A turbojet airliner.

Scott 1178, Stanley Gibbons 1361 - 80 Haleru

During 1960 CSA began operating the Ilyushin 18 long range turbo prop airliner.

Scott 1179, Stanley Gibbons 1362 - 1.80 Koruna

CSA continues to operate today as the state airline of the Czech Republic. Their current fleet includes some of the most modern aircraft available.

[Deleted]

It is interesting the difference in the quality of material produced by different Soviet-bloc countries during the 60s. Czechoslovakia was, in my opinion, one of the better ones. It seems that appearance was still valued then. Bulgaria and Romania were the worst, as if they prided themselves with their uglier-than-dirt stamps.

[tomd]

Nice stamps Alyn,
Planes watching was one of my favorite hobbies when I was young in NYC by Kennedy Airport.