Jamaica

Air charter industry mobilises to help in Jamaica’s hour of need

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

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

ACS loading relief goods in Antigua for Montego Bay.

“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."

Further details of Air Charter Service's emergency response can be found here