The charter industry is mobilizing to help in Jamaica’s hour of need

ACS coordinated charter flights to deliver more than 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, including shelter kits and blankets.

Relief flights used Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, accommodating larger aircraft because the smaller airports were not suitable.

The charter industry has also assisted with evacuations, transporting residents to safety and supporting government and NGO relief efforts.

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa last week, the air charter industry has once again stepped up to deliver relief goods to Jamaica, with ACS alone arranging charter flights carrying more than 200 tons of aid.

Ben Dinsdale, Director of Government and Humanitarian Services at Air Charter Service, commented: “The hurricane hit last Tuesday (28 October) and was the strongest hurricane to hit the island since records began in 1851, with winds reaching 185mph. There was at least fair warning that Melissa would hit Jamaica, so we have been in contact with NGOs and governments in preparation for potential relief flights.

“The charter industry is always the first point of call when such disasters occur, and this was no different, with plans in place before and immediately after. We arranged our first non-military aid flight last week, a Boeing B737-400F from Antigua to Montego Bay with 16 tons of shelter kits and blankets. Since then, we have booked charter flights through our offices in London, Florida, California and Spain, with several flights carrying over 200 tons of aid in total throughout this week.

“Three of the five airports on the island are small, and not suitable for aircraft larger than a private jet or turboprop, so we are using Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, although the latter sustained some damage. We have also been involved in evacuations from the island on passenger aircraft, transporting people to safety, and in some cases to their homes, in the past week. Once again, we are proud to work alongside our colleagues in the charter industry, who always They rise to the challenge during these times of need.

Charter industry to help in Jamaica’s hour of need appeared first on Air Cargo Week.