Are there mail planes
Yes, there are still mail planes in operation today, although their numbers have significantly decreased since the heyday of airmail in the early 20th century. Here are some examples:
- US Postal Service (USPS): The USPS still uses planes to transport mail, particularly in remote areas where ground transportation is not feasible. They operate a fleet of small planes, including Cessna 208 Caravans and Beechcraft King Airs, to deliver mail to rural areas and islands.
- Canada Post: Canada Post also uses planes to deliver mail to remote areas, particularly in the Canadian Arctic. They operate a fleet of Bombardier Dash 8 and Beechcraft King Air planes.
- Royal Mail (UK): Royal Mail still uses planes to deliver mail to remote areas, such as the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and to deliver mail to the Channel Islands.
- Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post): Australia Post uses planes to deliver mail to remote areas, including the Outback and islands.
- Private courier services: Some private courier services, such as FedEx and UPS, also use planes to transport packages, particularly in areas where ground transportation is not feasible.
These mail planes typically operate on a scheduled basis, carrying mail and packages from one location to another. They often fly to small airports or airstrips, where the mail is then transferred to ground transportation for final delivery.
However, it's worth noting that the use of mail planes has decreased significantly since the 1980s, due to advances in ground transportation and the increasing use of electronic communication. Many mail routes have been converted to ground transportation, and some airlines have discontinued their mail services altogether.