After 1945 the possibilities for mission orders and societies to send out missionaries were limited due to lack of transport. During World War II the replacement of missionaries had come to a standstill, although the training of new missionaries continued. As a result of the war, the aeroplane as a means of transport had gained considerably in importance and was readily available when hostilities ended. On 8 October 1947 the initial charter flight with 15 Dutch missionaries on board departed from Amsterdam to Entebbe (Uganda). The foundation for an independent organisation was airborn. The possibility of a fast, and as it later turned out, economical method of transport - cheaper than by boat - had been discovered. Savings in cost and time served the missionary cause. Other charter flights soon followed and were a great success. As a result RAPTIM started in 1949 for the specific purpose of arranging air transportation for Christian missionaries worldwide.