France postage stamp year 1970 Plane – Concorde

France postage stamp year 1970 Plane – Concorde MNH

The Concorde, a supersonic passenger airliner, has been a popular subject for French postage stamps due to its iconic status as a technological marvel and a symbol of Franco-British engineering collaboration. Below are details about notable France postage stamps featuring the Concorde:

1. 1970s Concorde Stamps

• Issued to Celebrate Concorde’s Maiden Flight:
  • Concorde’s first flight occurred on March 2, 1969. The French postal service issued stamps in the early 1970s to commemorate this groundbreaking achievement.
  • These stamps often depicted the sleek silhouette of Concorde, emphasizing its distinctive delta wing design.
• Designs:
  • Typically illustrated Concorde in flight with blue skies or above clouds.
  • Some stamps featured the French tricolor in the background, highlighting the aircraft’s French heritage.

2. Supersonic Commemoration Stamps

• Stamps were released during significant milestones:
  • First Commercial Flight (1976): Commemorating Concorde’s entry into service with Air France, flying supersonic routes from Paris to New York and other destinations.
  • The stamps often included the Air France logo alongside the Concorde.

3. Collaborative France-UK Stamp Issues

• Concorde was a joint project between France and the UK, and collaborative stamp sets were occasionally issued, featuring both French and British designs.
• These stamps sometimes showcased Concorde against iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben.

4. 2003 Retirement Stamps

• After Concorde’s retirement in 2003, commemorative stamps were issued as a tribute to its legacy.
• Designs highlighted its technical achievements and emotional farewell, often portraying the aircraft with a sunset or during its final flight.

5. Artistic Variations

• Over the years, various philatelic releases featured Concorde in artistic or stylized forms:
  • Dynamic portrayals showing Concorde breaking the sound barrier.
  • Minimalist designs emphasizing the aircraft’s shape and speed.