How the RAF's largest aid drop kept West Berlin sustained using air power alone
The Royal Air Force achieved the largest aid drop in its history during Operation Plainfare when it carried aid to Germany 76 years ago.
On 17 August 1948, the RAF lifted 1735.6 tonnes of aid to Berlin and, today, it keeps up this mission to deliver aid around the world, including to civilians in Gaza.
"The RAF and 25 civilian airlines chartered by the British Government consumed over 35 million gallons of aviation fuel, flew more than 30 million miles and spent more than 200,000 hours in the air," the RAF posted on social media.
"The Berlin Airlift was one of the greatest feats of military and civil logistics ever undertaken.
"In a 15-month operation, largely devised by Wing Commander (later Air Commodore) Reginald 'Rex' Waite, Allied aircraft carried 2,325,808 tonnes of supplies to more than two million people living in the blockaded city of West Berlin," said the RAF.
"Never had a city been sustained by air power alone. This year, in May, the RAF completed its 11th airdrop into Gaza, reaching over 110 tonnes of lifesaving aid delivered by air.
"The RAF began conducting airdrops in late March as part of the Jordanian international initiative.
"Using Atlas aircraft flying from Jordan, the RAF delivered ready-to-eat meals, water, rice, tinned goods and flour, dropped along the northern coastline of Gaza.
"British personnel worked closely with the Royal Jordanian Air Force to plan and conduct each mission."
Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the RAF has worked tirelessly to deliver aid to civilians in the region.
Working alongside the US Central Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force, aid has been delivered to Northern Gaza.
Aid drops have also been made in overpopulated areas, and even flown to Egypt.
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