The tragic situation in Haiti is galvanizing carriers across the globe. Airlines ranging from El Al to Republic Airways Holdings have offered relief either through special flights, the donation of frequent flyer miles, bonus frequent flyer miles for Red Cross donations or matching donations.
Several carriers including Air Canada, American and WestJet have delivered supplies to Haiti. United, who doesn't offer regularly scheduled flights to the country, plans on 20 January to start the first of 30 flights to Haiti to deliver personnel and supplies to the rescue effort. (photo credit ONEXONE foundation -- Joe Adler.)
Even lessor GECAS has become involved in the Haitian relief effort after it was approached by the Hope for Haiti charity for help in securing a cargo aircraft to ship supplies to Haiti. After GECAS Cargo lead Chris Damianos contacted Arrow Cargo, the carrier agreed to operate two relief flights for Haiti.
I realise I've probably missed several carriers that have offered help and aid, so please feel free to alert me to any efforts you know about.
Despite the tremendous amount of support being offered to Haiti from worldwide organizations, the Port au Prince airport continues to face challenges in handling the large volume of relief efforts. This Canadian Press article details frustrations by some humanitarian agencies in getting access to the airport, which late last week was taken over by the US military. As I put this post together, CNN is reporting Doctors Without Borders continues to face challenges in gaining proper access to the airport.
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