Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Airlift

The Berlin Airlift was a significant international operation, but the Canadian government chose to contribute through manpower and support rather than deploying its own air fleet. This decision was likely influenced by various factors, including Canada's military resources and commitments, and the strategic decisions made by the Allied powers regarding the operation's logistics and execution. During the Berlin Airlift, Canada did not contribute aircraft directly to the airlift operation. Unlike the United States and the United Kingdom, which provided a large number of airplanes and conducted the majority of the flights, Canada's contribution was more focused on providing skilled personnel and logistical support.

Canadian airmen, many of whom were veterans of World War II, served in various capacities but primarily as part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) units. These Canadian personnel were integrated into existing squadrons and flew in aircraft provided by these countries.