Lebanon 1954 - Inauguration Beirut International Airport on 23 April 1954

It was prepared to celebrate the opening of the Beirut International Airport on 23 April 1954, but the entire print run was ordered to be destroyed before official distribution. A number of sheets survived in mint condition with original gum. The primary reason for the withdrawal was an inscription oversight. The authorities intended the stamps to carry a definitive commemoration date and correct operational abbreviation for the newly named hub. The design layout lacked the final text chosen by the government: “Inauguration de l'Aéroport de B.I.A. 23 Avril 1954”. The design features a modern jet airliner pulling up next to the terminal. During final review, officials preferred a design that featured a Douglas DC-4 positioned on the tarmac, which was the standard workhorse of Lebanese aviation at the time and more accurately represented the actual aircraft servicing the new facility during its launch. Because this jet design was rejected, the Institut de Gravure Beyrouth had to rush an entirely new, fully engraved design into production. The final issued 1954 set featured a completely redesigned view of the airport terminal with the Douglas DC-4 on the ground, different color schemes, and updated face values (10p, 25p, 35p, and 65p) instead of the 25p, 50p, 75p, and 100p values seen on the unissued proofs. See scans for a good impression.

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