All-volunteer humanitarian organization AERObridge has responded swiftly following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating blow to the island nation of Jamaica, snapping into action with a diverse range of aircraft types that are transporting critically needed supplies to Jamaica.
“Over the last few days, we’ve found missions for three Gulfstreams, a King Air, a Pilatus, a CJ1 and CJ3+, and two Epic [turboprop singles]” and other long-range aircraft, said group volunteer Brad Pierce, CEO of Orlando-based Restaurant Equipment World.
With larger aircraft flying bulk supplies into Jamaica’s main airport in Kingston, business aircraft can make the difference by transporting specialized relief supplies to remote areas that, as of Nov. 3, remained largely inaccessible by road.
As one example, Network Advisors President Jordan Smith donated use of his Textron Aviation Cessna Citation CJ1 to transport 10 water filtration units to Montego Bay. Located at the northwestern corner of Jamaica, the area is among those that bore the brunt of the storm.
“Each of those units can supply clean water to 10,000 people per day, and they fit into five large suitcases weighing 300 pounds total,” Pierce said. “Jordan had already reached out to us to volunteer as a pilot with his plane, and his CJ1 is a perfect fit for this mission.”
Other critically needed items include chain saws, generators and medical supplies. The group is staging at a hangar at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) with Pierce and other volunteers leveraging their connections in the country, including members of Gideon Rescue Group, to determine the most immediate needs.
This relief effort is unique, Pierce added, given the overwater distance and continued uncertainty about fuel supplies in-country that require aircraft to either tanker fuel or top off in the Cayman Islands.
“Normally, we have hundreds of aircraft we deploy in any given disaster,” he said. “Here, we really need these larger operators with jets, turboprops and even long- range pistons. I encourage anyone with contacts at businesses using such aircraft to reach out and invite them to be part of the solution.”
Visit AERObridge.org to learn more. For donations for Hurricane Melissa relief, TEXT to 650-218-8349.
Visit NBAA’s website to register your aircraft or personnel with the association’s Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator to take part in disaster-response mobilization efforts.
