aerogrammes

An aerogramme, also known as an air letter, is a lightweight form of prepaid airmail stationery. It consists of a single sheet of paper that can be folded and sealed to form its own envelope. Typically, an aerogramme has pre-printed postage stamps indicating that it is for airmail service. The paper is often thin and translucent to minimize weight and facilitate easy handling.

The primary advantage of an aerogramme is its speed and cost-effectiveness for international mail. Because they are designed to be lightweight and easily processed, aerogrammes are generally delivered faster and are cheaper than standard airmail letters or parcels. They were particularly popular before the widespread availability of email and instant messaging, serving as a vital communication tool for individuals sending personal correspondence across continents.

Aerogrammes are usually sold in stationery shops or post offices. The sender writes their message on the designated area of the sheet, folds it according to pre-marked lines, and seals it, often with a gummed strip or by tucking in flaps. The recipient's address and the sender's return address are written on the outside. While still available in many countries, their use has declined significantly with the advent of digital communication methods.