Aviation insurance specialists AirSure Limited is lending its support to a relief effort targeted at bringing aid to victims of Haiti’s recent earthquake by helping move supplies from the overcrowded airport at Port Au Prince, into the Haitian backcountry, where it can more readily be distributed to those in need.
The effort will be led by AirSure Limited’s Claims Specialist, BJ Goodhart who, along with friends Jamie and Graham Johnson, has founded Mercy Wings Network, a nonprofit organization with the sole mission of providing air support to assist in disaster relief and recovery efforts.
The group has secured a deHavilland Twin Otter and plans to begin flying relief supplies and medical aid from Port au Prince to the 10 unimproved airports around Haiti, as well as other suitable landing sites that serve Haiti’s rural population. These flights will allow materials already on the ground to more quickly reach those that need them most, officials note.
Bill Behan, managing director of AirSure Limited, is lending his company’s support and expertise to the Mercy Wings effort, and is offering the company’s customers — and others in the GA community — the opportunity contribute financially as well – through a special account established at Wells Fargo Bank. The account can be accessed at MercyWingsNetwork.org, and all contributions are tax deductible.
“All of us here have been amazed by the tremendous relief efforts put forth by the business aviation community worldwide,” said Behan. “We simply wanted to find a way to supplement those efforts and enhance their efficiency. By helping move critical supplies into Haiti’s more rural areas for distribution, we think we can do just that. We’re very proud of BJ and his colleagues, and look forward to the launch of their first flights in the weeks ahead, as this is a chance to put the industry we love to its highest and best use.”
