What was the purpose of the Air Mail Act of 1925, also known as the Kelly Act?

The Air Mail Act of 1925, commonly referred to as the Kelly Act, was primarily established to create a framework for the commercial transportation of mail by air. This legislation allowed the federal government to contract with private airlines to carry airmail, which marked a significant step in the development of the air transportation industry. By providing governmental contracts, the Act incentivized private companies to enter the market, paving the way for the growth of commercial aviation.

This contracting system effectively transitioned the government from a direct provider of airmail services to a facilitator, providing necessary financial support to airlines that in turn carried mail. The contracts ensured that airmail services would be reliable and efficient, ultimately contributing to the infrastructure for commercial aviation that would emerge in subsequent decades.