Newspaper Accounts
At the beginning of the blockade, the estimated 4,500 tons of food and fuel needed to supply West Berlin was a daunting goal. The New York Times reported that by April 1949, British and American planes were far exceeding that amount.
Berlin Airlift Sets Mark For a Day of 8,246 Tons
Berlin, April 11 -- All airlift records were broken today when American and British airmen flew 8,246.1 short tons of food and coal into Berlin on 922 flights in the twenty-four hours ending at noon.
The record was established on the 290th day of the airlift. It eclipsed the previous high set Feb. 25-26 when 8,025.8 tons were brought to the blockaded city.
Since the start of airlift 1,327,226.4 short tons have been flown into the city on 166,984 flights.
page created on 01.19.2007
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