The air charter industry has stepped up to deliver relief to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, with Air Charter Service alone arranging charters carrying more than 200 tons of aid, says the broker.
ACS director for government and humanitarian services Ben Dinsdale said that with warning that Melissa was going to strike Jamaica, it had been in touch with NGOs and governments in preparation for potential relief flights.
He added: “The air charter industry is always the first port of call when such disasters occur, and this was no different, with plans put in place before and directly after. We arranged the first non-military aid flight in last week, which was a Boeing B737-400F from Antigua into Montego Bay with 16 tons of shelter kits and blankets. Since then, we have booked charters through our London, Florida, California and Spanish offices, with several flights transporting more than 200 tons of aid in total throughout this week.
“Three of the island’s five airports are small, and not suitable for aircraft any larger than a private jet or turboprop, so we are utilising Kingston’s Norman Manley International and Montego Bay’s Sangster International, despite the latter sustaining some damage.
“We have also been involved in evacuations from the island on passenger aircraft, flying people to safety, and in some cases home, this past week. Once again we’re proud to work alongside our colleagues in the air charter industry, who always step up to the challenge during these times of need.”
