Real Dictionary

airlift
countable noun: An airlift is an operation to move people, troops, or goods by air, especially in a war or when land routes are closed.

airlift in American English
a system of transporting troops, supplies, etc. by aircraft, as when ground routes are blocked
to transport by airlift
adjective: of or pertaining to an airlift or airlifts
noun: a system for transporting persons or cargo by aircraft, esp. in an emergency
transitive verb: to transport (persons or cargo) by airlift

airlift in British English
noun: the transportation by air of passengers, troops, cargo, etc, esp when other routes are blocked
verb: to transport by an airlift