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Commercial Air Into The Combat Zone
   
September 30, 2006: Last year, the United States military spent $2.29 billion for commercial air freight and passenger services. Most of this was for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This year, the U.S. plans to spend $2.32 billion. Given inflation (especially higher fuel costs), this is actually a decline in the number of flights. Not all of that money may be spent, as use of air freight to Iraq has been declining, mainly because the troops have a better handle on spare parts needs, and more goods are being procured locally. The U.S. Air Force has a fleet of over 200 heavy transports, but most military flights do not require these specialized aircraft.