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U.S. Airlines Provide Emergency Airlift for New Orleans Evacuees
ATA to Coordinate Unprecedented Civilian Relocation Program for Federal Government
WASHINGTON, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Air Transport Association, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation today announced that the airline industry has launched "Operation Air Care" to provide emergency airlift to more than 25,000 New Orleans residents stranded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
"This extraordinary civilian airlift is unprecedented in U.S. history, and is a shining example of how America can come together to help those in need," said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "Our member airlines have willingly offered to help the federal government get the job done and we will continue these efforts until they are no longer needed."
"DHS is eternally grateful to the airlines for their immediate and generous contribution to helping us to bring the victims to safety," said Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Jackson.
"We've cleared the runways and are watching the skies to make sure these humanitarian flights get in and out safely," said Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. "From the moment Hurricane Katrina passed, the DOT has been working around the clock to put the people and equipment in place to sustain a massive airlift operation."
The plan, which was finalized Thursday, allowed the first flight to New Orleans at 8 a.m. Participating airlines will provide aircrafts and service to airlift evacuees. Flights will depart from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to sites designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, such as Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Passenger carriers participating in this effort include Alaska, America West, American, ATA, Continental, Delta, Jet Blue, Northwest, Southwest, United, US Airways, and Air Canada. Cargo carriers also are providing support, including ASTAR Air Cargo, FedEx and UPS Airlines.
This all-volunteer effort is being coordinated by the Air Transport Association and its member carriers, who are providing aircraft and crews who have volunteered their time to this incredible effort.
The Air Transport Association is the trade group representing the nation's leading airlines. ATA members transport more than 90 percent of all passengers and cargo in the United States.
Copyright Freesun 2005