Aircraft have played an important, though sometimes unnoticed, role in the life of New Zealanders.
Issue information
Both within our own boundaries and in our connection with the rest of the world, they have made significant contributions to industry, defence, transportation and in bringing people together. This issue gave due recognition to the aircraft that have shaped our aviation history and affected the way we live.
Miniature Sheets
Seven miniature sheets, six incorporating one of the stamps from this issue and one incorporating all six stamps were produced as part of a special miniature sheet booklet.
Limited Edition
A special sheet was produced for inclusion in the Aircraft limited edition collectors pack. Each sheet contained four sets of stamps and was individually numbered from one through to 2,000.
Product Listing for Aircraft
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 40c 'Douglas DC-3' gummed stamp. The Douglas DC-3 was first used by the Royal New Zealand Airforce (RNZAF) as long-distance transport into the Pacific theatre of WWII. In post war years it became the mainstay of domestic travel and was also used for aerial topdressing. |
$0.40 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 80c 'Fletcher FU24 Topdresser' gummed stamp. The Fletcher FU24 Topdresser is the mainstay of the country’s aerial topdressing fleet and which could be called a Kiwi icon. |
$0.80 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single 90c 'de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth' gummed stamp. First used by aero clubs in the 1930s the Tiger Moth became the standard wartime RNZAF trainer. After the war it was again used by aero clubs and also the pioneering aerial topdressing industry. |
$0.90 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.30 'Fokker FVIIb/3m (Southern Cross)' gummed stamp. Flown by Charles Kingsford Smith the Southern Cross was the first aircraft to make a trans-Tasman crossing. |
$1.30 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.50 'de Havilland DH100 Vampire' gummed stamp. The Vampire was the RNZAF’s first operational jet aircraft. |
$1.50 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.00 'Boeing & Westervelt Seaplane' gummed stamp. Flown by George Bolt this plane carried the first domestic official airmail in New Zealand and was one of the first aircraft built by Boeing. |
$2.00 |
 |
Miniature Sheet Booklet | Collectable booklet containing a range of miniature sheets, six incorporated the individual stamp and one comprised of the set of six stamps. As well as including the stamps, it told the story behind each aircraft. | $19.95 |
 |
First Day Cover | First day cover with stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. |
$7.40 |
 |
Set of Postal Cards | Set of six pre-paid postcards featuring a stamp on the front and artwork from the stamp issue. | $12.00 |
| Limited Edition | Limited edition collectable containing exclusive stamp products not available anywhere else. | $135.00 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 2 May 2001 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Six |
| Denominations and designs: | 40c Douglas CD-3, 80c Fletcher FU24 Topdresser, 90c de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, $1.30 Fokker FVIIb/3m (Southern Cross), $1.50 de Havilland DH100 Vampire, $2.00 Boeing & Westervelt Seaplane |
| Stamps and first day cover designed by: | Rob Poulton, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, New Zealand by lithography |
| Stamp size: | 28mm x 39.71mm |
| Perforation gauge: | 14 |
| Paper type: | 103 gsm De la Rue red phosphor coated |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode, value blocks and logo blocks could be obtained by purchasing at least two stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks were available in A format for sheet stamps. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 1 May 2002. |
