After Melissa Pummeled Jamaica, Aviation Aid Readies

Jamaica is slowly shaking off the effects of Hurricane Melissa, which slammed ashore on the Caribbean island yesterday as a Category 5 storm, packing peak winds of 185 mph and making it one of the strongest on record to make landfall. More than half a million of Jamaica’s residents are without power and some 70% of the population is without communications, with residents asked to shelter in place as the damage to roads is being assessed and efforts are made to reach stranded communities.

Sangster International Airport (MKJS) in Montego Bay remains closed today as officials evaluate the damage to its infrastructure. Signature Aviation, which operates an FBO there, told AIN, “Our Montego Bay facility has implemented its hurricane preparedness plan and secured the site in advance of the storm. We’re continuing to monitor the situation closely and will resume operations once it’s safe to do so.”

Non-profit emergency response organization Airlink had already positioned people on the ground in Jamaica ahead of Melissa’s arrival to conduct immediate post-storm need assessment. Airlink has more than 50 airline partners, which it leverages during disasters to deliver vital supplies on airline flights that transit through Latin America and the Caribbean.

“If need be, Airlink will pay to charter private aircraft to send larger shipments of aid to the regions,” said Natalie Jacobsen, the charity’s director of marketing and communications. “With airports closed [at least] through October 30, we are also looking into any safe alternatives—we sometimes go via sea freight if able, but rough seas could impede that operation.” She told AIN the initial shipments will largely focus on shelter, hygiene, sanitation supplies, clean water, and food.

Business aviation charity AERObridge noted that “Due to the flight distance—over 1,000 nautical miles round trip—we anticipate that only long-range cargo aircraft will be suitable for these missions.” Charley Valera, the group’s v-p of media relations and field director for emergency services, added “the availability of fuel and power for pumps remains a significant concern, as does the safety and condition of the runways, pilots, and aircraft.”

To assist in the disaster recovery, global air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn has already contracted a wide array of aircraft, ranging from small regional jets to airliners and larger helicopters for in-country surveillance, and is working closely with local authorities to bring in relief as soon as possible. In addition to airplanes, it also has access to STOL aircraft and helicopters, allowing its teams to reach remote or inaccessible areas where conventional runways may be unavailable or damaged.

“Our team is closely monitoring developments and stands ready to mobilize aircraft at short notice,” said Aniko Mersek, the company’s senior v-p of sales for the Americas. “Ensuring the safe movement of people and critical supplies is our top priority.”

Melissa weakened overnight, crossing over Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, and as a further diminished Category 2 storm is expected to bring heavy rains and flooding to the Bahamas before churning out to sea.