The work aims to study IDEF0 functional model for life cycle of airlifting container pallet, so as to meet the rapid development requirements of containerized military air transportation and to streamline, refine and scientize the management of airlifting container pallets. The IDEF0 method was used to resolve the life cycle of airlifting container pallet from top to bottom. Activity contents and their vertical and horizontal relationships at all levels of life cycle of airlifting container pallet were researched. The model was refined into three layers. The first layer A-0 defined the theme and scope of the life cycle functional model of airlifting container pallet. The second layer A0 further expanded itself and described the operation process of the entire model. The more complicated pallet storage module, pallet usage module and pallet overhaul module in Fig. A0 were refined into sub processes A3, A4 and A5 with clear functions by the third layer. The life cycle functional model of airlifting container pallet which was established through the IDEF0 method could visually indicate all phases and their functions experienced by the airlifting container pallet during the entire life cycle. Focused on the airlifting container pallet, the model is the infrastructure for the cargo operation system and it can be extended to provide more details as needed.