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Air Charter Service charters Boeing B787-9 from UK to Haiti
Air Charter Service chartered a Boeing B787-9 to transport 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid donated by the British government for those affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
James Cristofoli, London Cargo Director at Air Charter Service, commented: “It was just over a week ago that the 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office then contacted us to arrange the shipment – the cargo includes shelter kits and solar powered lanterns for up to 1,300 families, and we expect to see more such support to follow over the next week or so. Our US offices have already arranged several additional charters with relief in support of the operation.”
“It is tragic that the country has been struck again after the devastating earthquake in 2010. Following that tragedy, we arranged more than 100 flights as part of the humanitarian effort and a number of our staff spent time on the ground during the operation, which makes our work particularly poignant.”
UK Minister of State for the Caribbean Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said: “The UK is now providing vital shelter and lighting for up to 1,300 vulnerable families in Haiti, following the recent devastating earthquake. We’ve committed £1m of UK aid and a Royal Navy Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship to support the relief effort and stand ready to provide more to the international response. The kits on this charter will go to vulnerable families impacted by the earthquake and will be distributed by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) across the country.”
The charter, operated by IAG cargo, flew from London’s Heathrow Airport on Tuesday [24th August] to Port-au-Prince on the Caribbean Island, arriving on Wednesday morning (UK time)/Tuesday evening (Local time).