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Arctic airline First Air mobilizes freighter to fly aid for Haiti
January 15, 2010 — Toronto — Today, First Air mobilized its Boeing 767-223 Super Freighter from Kuujjuaq to Toronto, to load relief supplies bound for Haiti. The aircraft is being donated on behalf of First Air and the Belinda Stronach Foundation.
“First Air is pleased to provide critical airlift and financial support to help with the humanitarian efforts being undertaken for this disaster area,” said Scott Bateman, President and CEO. “We are mobilizing our heavy lift cargo aircraft as quickly as possible to supply vital airlift support to rescue and relief efforts.”
The Boeing 767-223 is a cargo-only aircraft with a maximum payload of 98,700 lbs, and normally operates delivering foodmail, mail, and freight to the Eastern Arctic. The normal cost of this mission would be over $125,000, with costs being shared by First Air and the Belinda Stronach Foundation. The plane and its four-man crew will arrive in Toronto this evening, and loading of the aircraft will take place during the night. They are scheduled to fly to Haiti tomorrow morning.
Early this morning, First Air’s two Lockheed 382 Hercules aircraft completed their first mission in delivering supplies to Haiti. Both aircraft delivered specialized search and rescue equipment, generators, and other aid supplies. They are currently in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic preparing for further missions.
First Air is the only commercial operator of Lockheed 382 Hercules aircraft in Canada. Each of the First Air Lockheed 382 Hercules aircraft provides over 45,000 lbs and 6,000 cubic feet of capacity. In addition, the aircraft is designed to operate with minimal ground support equipment enabling rapid loading and off loading cargo.
First Air is the largest provider of passenger and cargo services to Canada’s northern communities in Nunavut, Nunavik, Northwest Territories, and the Yukon with service to Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Montreal.
Reservations can be made through First Air Reservations at 1-800-267-1247 or online at www.firstair.ca.
Contact: Terri Lynn Potter
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Phone: 613-254-6417
tlpotter@firstair.ca