The beginning of blockade:
After the announcement of the new German currency then(Deutsche Mark), the Soviet Guards stop all transportation towards Berlin, and even announced that even water transportation had to gain special Soviet permission. They even stopped a US military supply train and sent it back to West Germany. Soon, the Soviets severed land and water communications between the non-Soviet zones and Berlinand halted all rail and barge traffic in and out of Berlin.They also stopped supplying food to the civilian population in the non-Soviet sectors of Berlin. Motor traffic from Berlin to the western zones was permitted, but this required a 23 kilometer detour to a ferry crossing because of alleged "repairs" to a bridge. They also cut off the electricity relied on by Berlin, using their control over the generating plants in the Soviet zone. The Soviets refused to recognise the Deutsche Mark, but 250million worth of it was already transported in. Despite the Soviets rejection, the currency appears to have revitalize Germany. At this time, the Allies had their military heavily decreased due to the World War. Believing that they could only comply, the Soviets celebrated the beginning of the blockade.
Ground routes were not negotiable, but it was not the same for air. On 30 November 1945, it was agreed upon that there would be some free air corridors providing access to Berlin, as Soviets could not argue that cargo aircraft posted threats like that of tanks and trucks. Also, facing an unknown aircraft that refuses to back off, Soviets' only option was to shoot it down. But this option, would show that either the Soviets are going to take military action, which would break their agreements, or back down their plan of the blockade. Enforcing upon this point, an effective airlift was required or US had to either let the people starve, or eventually bow down to the Soviets for help. However, carrying out this plan was a bit difficult as after the World War, the US only had 2 small units of aircraft which were only able to carry about 3.5tons of cargo each. After discussion, it was still decided that an airlift would be a most feasible option.
Beginning of the Airlift:
The first batch of aircrafts brought about 80tons of cargo including milk, flour and medicine. At this time, the airlift was expected to last for three weeks. As the system got underway, the aircrafts were starting to arrive in quantity. However, the airlift required lots of maintenance and fixed cargo loading time, and a complex timetable was created to ensure more efficiency. During the first week, only 90 tons of cargo was averaged per day. But by the second, 1000tons was the average per day! Imagine the big change! Despite the excitement of the airlift, it was not operating to its maximum capacity as USAFE was a tactical organisation which had no airlift expertise. However, after a series of important meetings, it was decided that a long-term airlift was necessary, and thus, the USAF soon endorsed this event.
