Description: 2024 Christmas Island Airport 50 YearsMint Unhinged Set of 2 StampsOverview Until the 1970s, the remote Indian Ocean Territory of Christmas Island had no substantial aviation infrastructure, with the only regular transportation being by sea. In June 1974, after years of planning, the Christmas Island airport was opened in the north-east of the island, initially with a 2,100-metre-long sealed runway and serviceable passenger terminal. The first commercial jet service from Perth, a TAA Boeing 727, arrived on 6 June 1974. Under Australia’s two-airline policy, Ansett Airlines of Australia joined TAA on the route, providing the only direct air links with Australia. TAA and Ansett continued the route until June 1984, when Airlines of Western Australia secured the Commonwealth contract. These flights used a Fokker F28-4000 and occasionally a Fokker F28-1000. In June 1985, the contract was awarded back to TAA, rebranded as Australian Airlines from 1986. This lasted until 1989 and was followed by the following on the route: Amann Aviation (1989), Ansett WA (1989-92), Indian Ocean Airlines (1992), Ansett (1992-1998), National Jet Systems (1996-2009), SkyAirWorld (2009), Cobham Aviation (2009-10), Virgin (2010-present).In 1982‒83 the runway was extended and in October 1992, a modern airport terminal was constructed, to be upgraded a few years later. In September 2018, it was renamed the Gordon Bennett Terminal in honour of the late union leader. Since 2010, an Airbus A320 operated by Virgin Australia has provided passenger air services from Perth via the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The stamps depict the first TAA aircraft and original passenger terminal together with the current carrier and terminal. Stamps in the IssueThe airport opened in June 1974 with great ceremony. While an adequate 2100-metre sealed runway had been constructed, the passenger terminal was no architectural masterpiece, referred to as “The Shed”. The first commercial jet service from Perth, a TAA Boeing 727, shown on the stamp, arrived on 6 June 1974. $3.00 Virgin Australia Airbus 320In 1982‒83 the runway was extended and in October 1992, a modern airport terminal was constructed, to be upgraded a few years later. In September 2018, it was renamed the Gordon Bennett Terminal in honour of the late union leader. Since 2010, an Airbus A320, shown on the stamp and operated by Virgin Australia, has provided passenger air services from Perth via the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Please check out my other Ebay items Postage Discount Available If purchasing more than one item please request an invoice or wait for one to be issued combining postage Orders over $40 will require registered mail Payment requested within 5 days unless otherwise arranged
Price: 8 AUD
Location: Stockton, NSW
End Time: 2024-11-24T01:24:19.000Z
Shipping Cost: 2.63 AUD
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Restocking fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
