San Marcos-based Berry Aviation Inc. was awarded a $14.16 million (base) government contract.

The charter transportation provider is tasked with providing fixed-wing aircraft, personnel, equipment, tools, material, maintenance and supervision for passenger and cargo transportation services in Afghanistan. The U.S. Department of Defense contract will begin on January 15, 2011 and will run through May 31, 2011, with four year option periods. 

Berry Aviation, founded in 1983, operates 20 planes that complete more than 13,000 flights annually.