Airlink, the 24/7 disaster relief organization that links pre-vetted NGO’s with airlines, has secured a charter jet - with funding donated by Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. - to fly emergency medical aid from five of the nonprofit organizations in their partner network to Monrovia, Liberia.

ATX Air Services, LLC, a subsidiary of the Hillwood Development - a Perot company - provided the 737 charter to transport critically needed medical protective equipment such as masks, gowns, gloves and other medical supplies from their home base at Alliance Airport, Ft. Worth, Texas to Monrovia, Liberia, with an interim stop at New York’s JFK airport to load additional aid.

Tuesday's flight (August 26th) from JFK carried a 30,000 pound payload manned by two volunteer crews, flying back-to-back and rotating to keep rested. The crews comprised four pilots, a mechanic and a load master. The flight touched down in Monrovia, unload its humanitarian cargo, refueled and immediately took off for the return flight.

Steve Smith, Executive Director of Airlink commented, “With the supply chain significantly contracted by many carriers deciding not to fly into West Africa at this time, we are particularly appreciative of the efforts of ATX Air Services. Many of our NGO partners have told us we are the only avenue for them to deliver aid.”

Speaking on behalf of ATX Air Services, General Manager Scott Bohnenkamp praised the crew remarking, “I had no problem getting the crew for this mission. I had six slots to fill and I had six volunteers willing to donate their time and efforts.”

Non-profit organizations sending the much needed supplies in the airlift are: AFYA Foundation, AmeriCares, ChildFund International, Direct Relief and MedShare. Other AIRLINK partners providing logistical support on the ground are: UPS, FedEx, ALAN, LIFT and Rock-IT Cargo.

Airlink has supported humanitarian initiatives on every continent. Since its inception in 2010, Airlink’s airline partners have flown approximately 3,300 passengers and transported 800,000 lbs. of cargo. The program depends on volunteers from the aviation community and new volunteers are always welcome. For more information, visit www.airlinkflight.org