The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season has been very active, with Hurricanes Irma and Maria tearing through its path, leaving devastating aftermath across an extensive region. Many residents were left homeless and in dire need of food, water and shelter. It is times like these that prove just how crucial a time it is to be able to deploy fast response logistics services, especially to deliver humanitarian aid to the worst affected areas. It truly was heart warming to see so many air cargo stakeholders stepping in to lend a helping hand in times of peril.
CargoLogicAir operated two flights, carrying nearly 200 tonnes of humanitarian goods to hurricane-affected areas. Departing within less than 48 hours of the initial enquiry being received, both flights were operated by Boeing 747-400F on behalf of the French Government, from Vatry to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport Guadeloupe.
Antonov Airlines also delivered 32 portable generators for EDF Group to Guadeloupe in 24 hours via the AN-124-100 aircraft. The generators, which weighed a total of 105 tonnes, are needed to provide electricity to France’s overseas region of Guadeloupe and overseas Collectivity of Saint Martin, both of which were severely affected by Hurricane Irma.
Volga-Dnepr Airlines has operated three flights so far, carrying nearly 175 tonnes of relief goods and equipment. Chartered by DSV Air and Sea for the Danish Red Cross, its first flight operated from Billund to Miami International Airport, carrying medicines and medical equipment as well as tents and other equipment to set up a large base camp on an IL-76TD-90VD freighter. Following that, a flight carrying service equipment, generators, motor pumps and spare parts went on an AN-124-100 to Guadeloupe and a further 60 tonnes of humanitarian cargo on board a third flight to Barbados.
Boeing committed an additional $1 million to assist with hurricane disaster relief in areas affected by Irma and Maria, in addition to a previous commitment of $1 million for Harvey, via The Boeing Charitable Trust. Boeing employees and retirees have given more than $700,000, and when matched, will bring Boeing’s full humanitarian aid relief package to over $3.2 million. In addition to that, Boeing has also worked with Airlink to transport aid workers and cargo.
Back in Singapore, the Payload Asia Conference and Awards Committee is hard at work making sure we have crossed all the t’s and dotted the i’s. By the time you receive this issue, we will be days, if not hours, away from the 6th Payload Asia Conference and Awards. As with previous years, if you are unable to join us for the gala dinner, make sure you stay tuned to all our online portals, where we will upload the results of the evening immediately after dinner on October 12th. Full coverage of both the conference and the awards ceremony will follow in our next issue, so keep an eye out for a full update.
We are looking forward to welcoming and hosting all of you over the two days. See you soon!
