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NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The airline industry Friday launched an enormous all-volunteer operation to airlift over 25,000 stranded New Orleans residents to safety.

"Operation Air Care" had its first flight to the city Friday morning at 8 a.m., and has indicated it will continue until relief efforts are completed.

Planes depart from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and fly to sites designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, such as Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

"This extraordinary civilian airlift is unprecedented in U.S. history, and is a shining example of how America can come together to help those in need," said Air Transport Association President James C. May in a statement. "Our member airlines have willingly offered to help the federal government get the job done and we will continue these efforts until they are no longer needed."

The airlines participating in the effort are Alaska, America West, American, ATA, Continental, Delta, Jet Blue, Northwest, Southwest, United, US Airways, and Air Canada.

Cargo carriers are also involved in the relief effort, including ASTAR Air Cargo, Federal Express and UPS Airlines.

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