Air cargo responds to Hurricane Dorian

Broker Air Charter Service and airline charity Airlink have taken part in several flights in response to Hurricane Dorian, which has devastated the Bahamas and is now set to hit Florida.

Air Charter Service said it has been busy evacuating the Bahamas and Florida, as well as flying in medical aid to the afflicted regions to help those already affected.

Dorian has already caused widespread damage – at least seven people are known to have died in the Bahamas, as well as tens of thousands of homes being destroyed.

Jordan Hinsch, Private Jets Director of ACS’s Florida office, said: “We’ve booked charters to move more than 250 people out of the path of the storm so far, initially many from the Bahamas, and then more and more from Florida. They have been booking private jets or larger aircraft to get out of the way of the exceptionally high winds.

“Now we are experiencing some calls for helicopters to use in aerial surveillance, as well as repatriation as islanders return to their homes to assess the damage left behind. Our cargo division has also been busy, having sent in medical supplies to the region already and we are currently receiving enquiries to fly in and further supplies to the Bahamas, now that the storm has passed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this horrendous natural disaster.”

Meanwhile, Airlink began transporting relief workers to Florida and other east coast states prior to the storm’s arrival in an effort to ensure a swift response to communities in need. 

“Helping our relief partners overcome transportation and logistics challenges to help impacted communities as quickly as possible is our goal,” said Airlink president and chief executive Steven Smith.

“We are extremely grateful for our donors throughout the aviation community who are making our life-saving efforts possible.” 

Airlink is assisting more than 15 response partners, including Save the Children, Empact Northwest, Heart to Hear International and World Central Kitchen.

The organisations bring a wide variety of specialisations to disaster-stricken communities and will provide search and rescue operations, medical care, safe spaces for children, food and clean water provisions, and other essential assistance. 

World Central Kitchen, which focuses on providing meals to disaster survivors, relies on Airlink’s quick response to support its response.

“World Central Kitchen is grateful for the support of Airlink as our team prepares to respond to Hurricane Dorian. The ability to be able to quickly travel and position our relief efforts where they are needed most is critical, and our partnership with Airlink helps enable us to do just that,” said Nate Mook, World Central Kitchen executive director.

Airlink is raising funds to support future flights and operations. Please donate at http://airlinkflight.org.