Airlift: meaning, definitions and examples

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airlift

 

[ˈɛərˌlɪft ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military operation

An airlift is the transportation of supplies or troops by aircraft, often used in military contexts. It is crucial for delivering essential resources to inaccessible areas or during humanitarian crises.

Synonyms

air cargo, air delivery, air transport.

Examples of usage

  • The airlift provided food and medicine to the war-torn region.
  • During the Berlin Blockade, the Allied forces organized a massive airlift to supply the city.
  • The military conducted an airlift of soldiers to remote bases.
Context #2 | Verb

transport supplies

To airlift means to transport people or goods by aircraft, typically in circumstances requiring rapid deployment or delivery. This term is often used when referring to urgent needs in disaster relief.

Synonyms

deliver, evacuate, transport.

Examples of usage

  • The organization will airlift supplies to the earthquake-affected region.
  • They airlifted injured civilians from the disaster zone.
  • The company plans to airlift its new product to market quickly.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'airlift' gained prominence during the Berlin Airlift in 1948-1949 when planes transported supplies to West Berlin amidst a blockade.
  • Initially, the word became popular in military contexts, referring to the movement of troops and equipment by air during crises.

Technology

  • Modern aerial transport utilizes advanced navigation systems to ensure the safe delivery of goods and aid, even in challenging weather.
  • Drones have begun to play a role in airlifting small packages and medical supplies, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

Humanitarian Efforts

  • Airlifts are crucial during natural disasters, enabling immediate relief such as food, water, and medical supplies to affected regions.
  • The organization World Food Programme frequently employs airlift methods to deliver food assistance to vulnerable populations.

Culture

  • Movies and literature often showcase dramatic airlift scenes in wartime, emphasizing bravery and the effectiveness of aerial rescue missions.
  • The concept of airlifting has influenced countless art pieces, illustrating the hope and urgency of helping others in need.

Translations

Translations of the word "airlift" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aerotransporte

🇮🇳 वायु परिवहन

🇩🇪 Luftbrücke

🇮🇩 pengangkutan udara

🇺🇦 повітряний міст

🇵🇱 most powietrzny

🇯🇵 エアリフト

🇫🇷 pont aérien

🇪🇸 puente aéreo

🇹🇷 hava köprüsü

🇰🇷 공중 수송

🇸🇦 جسر جوي

🇨🇿 vzdušný most

🇸🇰 vzdušný most

🇨🇳 空运

🇸🇮 zračni most

🇮🇸 loftbrú

🇰🇿 әуе көпірі

🇬🇪 ჰაეროვანი ხიდი

🇦🇿 hava körpüsü

🇲🇽 puente aéreo