On June 2, 2025, La Poste issued a stamp and a mini-sheet from the Airmail series, commemorating the centenary of the first air link between Casablanca and Dakar.
A new-generation security ink is applied to the stamp, in white fluorescence. Visible under UV light, it reveals the registration number of one of the aircraft, a reminder of the fleet, and the route. This ink provides additional technologically advanced security while also providing a distinctive visual signature. With its aesthetic and technical aspect, it creates a roughness that makes each stamp truly unique.
On June 1, 1925, the first airmail service between Casablanca and Dakar began. This unprecedented step contributed to the organization of the commercial air route between France and South America via North Africa, a route developed by industrialist and aircraft manufacturer Pierre-Georges Latécoère in 1917. While regular airmail services between Toulouse, Barcelona, and then Rabat and Casablanca in Morocco operated regularly, the commercial legitimacy of "La Ligne" depended on an extension to Senegal. In March 1925, the reconnaissance was finalized, and the five airseaters were ready for a 2,760 km route between Casablanca and Dakar.
Two aircraft would operate this route: Breguet XIV No. 161, registered F-AEEL, from Casablanca to Agadir, then Breguet XIV No. 217, registered F-AFEJ, from Agadir to Dakar; They were accompanied by a spare Breguet—a precaution demanded by Didier Daurat, the operations director of Lignes aériens Latécoère. Pilot Émile Lécrivain and mechanic Jean Lavidalie formed the crew chosen to transport the mail. They were assisted by pilots Georges Drouin and Edmond Lassalle. Despite numerous mechanical mishaps, the mail arrived on June 3; the return flight took place from June 6 to 8: "La Ligne" was now extended to Dakar and became a regular service.
The Postal Administration, which encouraged this new airmail connection, anticipated its success by publishing a decree dated May 28, 1925, setting the air surcharges applicable to connections between France and Dakar. In recognition of his commitment to French commercial aviation, Pierre-Georges Latécoère was made a Commander of the Legion of Honor on August 23, 1925.
