Stamps celebrate innovation in British aviation

The six-stamp collection features aviation milestones through the years

Stamps marking a century of "remarkable achievements" in British aviation will serve as a "lasting tribute" to innovation in the industry, the Isle of Man Post Office has said.

The six-piece collection features retro images marking key anniversaries of notable achievements in the sector, including 60 years of the Red Arrows aerobatic team.

The set also commemorates the 100 years since the of the launch of Imperial Airways, which operated until 1939 and paved the way for international air travel.

The post office's general manager for stamps and coins, Maxine Cannon, said the stamps reflected the "transformative role" aviation had played a "in shaping our world".

The stamps mark significant developments in the British commercial airline industry

Ms Cannon said the collection was designed to "inspire aviation enthusiasts and history fans alike, while also serving as a lasting tribute to the remarkable achievements of the British aircraft industry".

Aircraft that have supported the Royal Navy are featured

Other milestones to adorn the stamps include 100th anniversary of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, which continues to offer aerial support and defence capabilities.

The 75th anniversary of the launch of the pioneering English Electric Canberra, developed during World War Two, the maritime patrol aircraft Avro Shackleton, and the world's first commercial jetliner the De Havilland Comet also feature.

Significant aircraft in the RAF's history are celebrated in the set

The collection was developed in conjunction with former chief librarian for the Royal Aeronautical Society, Brian Riddle, who said the anniversaries were chosen to "celebrate and capture the progress of British aviation over the decades".