A special postmark will be available for the Italian Air Force centennial to be held at the ‘Mario de Bernardi’ military airport in Pratica di Mare (Pomezia, Rome) from 16 to 18 June 2023.

Designed by Giancarlo Federico, it reproduces one of the 39 SIAI-Marchetti S.M.82 ‘Marsupiale’ transport aircraft of the Italian Air Force that, in the aftermath of the Second World War, to escape the decommissioning imposed by the armistice conditions, were ceded to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, continuing to fly under the Order’s insignia on relief and humanitarian missions.

The postmark is completed by the inscriptions “SOVRANO MILITARE ORDINE DI MALTA” and “POSTE MAGISTRALI”, the legends “CENTO ANNI DELL’AERONAUTICA MILITARE ITALIANA” and “SIAI-MARCHETTI S.M.82 MARSUPIALE”, as well as the location “PRATICA DI MARE” and the date “17.VI.2023”.

Items for reposting, individually franked by the sender with stamps belonging to the relevant set, must reach Poste Magistrali by 17 August 2023. A suitable self-addressed envelope, bearing Order of Malta stamps corresponding to the ordinary (Posta4) or priority (Posta1) mail  rate in force in Italy, must be enclosed for the postmarked items to be returned under cover. For return by registered mail, please contact Poste Magistrali in advance.

Items to be returned uncovered must reach Poste Magistrali by 30 June 2023 and must be individually marked “Corrispondenza filatelica” (Philatelic correspondence) on the address side in indelible ink. In case of missing, it will be automatically applied by Poste Magistrali.