bpost and Brussels Airlines Commemorate 100 Years of Belgian-African Aviation with Special Stamp
February 12, marks 100 years since the first flight from Belgium to Congo
bpost and Brussels Airlines (SN) celebrate a century of aviation between Belgium and Africa with the release of a special stamp on January 27, 2025.
The stamp features a photo montage of the first Belgian flight to Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), including the Princess Marie-José aircraft and its crew.
Historic Achievement
On February 12, 1925, mechanic Joseph De Bruycker, pilot Léopold Roger, and navigator/pilot Edmond Thieffryembarked on an 8,000-km journey from Brussels to Congo.
They became the first to successfully cross the Sahara, despite twice getting lost in the desert. 51 days later, they landed in Leopoldville, now Kinshasa, marking the first air connection between Belgium and DRC.
This route remains strategically important for Brussels Airlines, according to the airline.
Kenechi Ugwoke, Head of Africa Competence Centre, Lufthansa Group: “This milestone is more than a celebration of aviation history. It is a testament to our enduring bond with Africa, which has become an integral part of our identity and our future.”
New Stamp Issue
The 1WORLD value stamp sheet, is available on bpost’s eshop and in the Philaboutiques of Brussels and Mechelen. Each sheet features a map of the Brussels-Kinshasa route and the Princess Marie-José aircraft.
Mail Milestones
In 2024, Brussels Airlines transported approximately 1,100 tonnes of mail across 18 sub-Saharan African destinations, including 275 tonnes to Kinshasa, 160 tonnes to Ouagadougou, and 137 tonnes to Entebbe.
The airline stated that by summer 2025, they plan to increase flights to Africa by 10%, offering 56 weekly flights
