AIRLINK, the 24/7 disaster relief organization that links pre-vetted NGO’s with airlines, has secured a charter jet, funded by an anonymous donor, to fly emergency medical aid from five of the nonprofit organizations in their partner network to Monrovia, Liberia.
ATX Air Services, LLC, a subsidiary of the Hillwood Development, will provide the 737 charter to transport critically needed medical protective equipment such as masks, gowns, gloves and other medical supplies from their home base of Ft. Worth, Texas to Monrovia, Liberia, with an interim stop at New York’s JFK airport to load additional aid.
The flight will leave JFK on Tuesday, August 26, carrying a 15,000 pound payload, and will be manned by two volunteer crews, flying back-to-back and rotating to keep rested. On board will be four pilots, a mechanic and a load master. The flight will touch down in Monrovia, unload its humanitarian cargo, refuel and immediately take off for the return flight.
Steve Smith, Executive Director of Airlink commented, “With the supply chain significantly contracted by many carriers deciding not to fly into West Africa at this time, we are particularly appreciative of the efforts of ATX Air Services. Many of our NGO partners have told us we are the only avenue for them to deliver aid.”
Speaking on behalf of ATX Air Services, General Manager Scott Bohnenkamp praised the crew remarking, “I had no problem getting the crew for this mission. I had six slots to fill and I had six volunteers willing to donate their time and efforts.”
Non-profit organizations sending the much needed supplies in the airlift are: AFYA Foundation, AmeriCares, ChildFund International, Direct Relief and MedShare. Other AIRLINK partners providing logistical support on the ground are: UPS, FedEx, ALAN, LIFT and Rock-IT Cargo.
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