BizAv And GA Mobilizing After Hurricane Devastates Jamaica

The National Business Aviation Association says its HERO – Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator – database has been activated to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on the island nation of Jamaica.

The database is a list of people in business aviation who volunteer their time and resources for disaster response mobilization efforts. Their basic information is provided to the organizations coordinating relief activities.

In addition, multiple organizations including Operation Air Drop, AERObridge, Airlink, and others are accepting donations from the business aviation community to assist in this and future relief response opportunities that may involve airlifting basic and medical supplies.

As of October 30, the only open airport in Jamaica is the Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston. That facility is about 525 nm from Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE), which is easily accessible but other factors are involved.

Doug Carr, Senior Vice President of Safety, Security, Sustainability, and International Operations for NBAA expressed uncertainty about the condition and availability of the airport’s fuel supplies. This makes the initial humanitarian operations best suited for long-range business and commercial aircraft that would not be dependent on on-site refueling.

He added, “Additionally, requests for overflight permits to transit Cuban airspace may be delayed. Operators must also secure necessary permission to fly into Jamaica.”

So far, 38,000 lbs of supplies including shelter tarps, solar lights, medical supplies, and water filtration systems have been delivered to Kingston by Samaritan’s Purse on its Boeing 757.

At Ian Fleming International Airport (OJC) 30 nm to the north in Ocho Rios, officials are working to get it reopened. The Montego Bay-Sangster International Airport (MBJ) was very badly hit, according to Nari Williams-Singh, Director General of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority.

Singh said in a statement, “[W]e have all hands on deck to get up and running as quickly as possible. We need to collaborate with our airport operators and the Airports Authority of Jamaica; Jamaica Customs Agency; the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency; and all relevant entities. We are all coordinated, because it’s really an ecosystem and we all have to be in sync.”

Melissa was a Cat 5 hurricane – the strongest ever to hit the country – when it made landfall in Jamaica on October 28. Reports from media outlets say more than 500,000 people are without power, and communications are severely degraded across the island. There is also widespread damage to roads, homes, hospitals, and other facilities and infrastructure.

FMI:  nbaa.org/