01 October 2009

Airlines rush medical supplies to battered islands

APIA - As the full extent of the tsunami disaster in the South Pacific emerged today, airlines were scrambling to direct relief supplies to the region.

Hawaiian Airlines arranged a relief flight from Honolulu to American Samoa to carry supplies of food, water, bedding and other necessities to help families affected by yesterday’s tsunami.

Hawaiian is also sending employee volunteers to accompany the goods and support relief efforts in Pago Pago.

Relief workers of the U.S. Coast Guard and volunteer physicians from Hawaii Disaster Medical Assistance Team are also expected to be on the flight.

Hawaiian Airlines and Bank of Hawaii have each donated $10,000 worth of supplies to be carried on the special flight.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has notified airlines that that Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa is serviceable and that the runway can support operations.

Military transports have been flying medical personnel, food, water and medicine to the islands of Samoa and American Samoa.

A chartered aircraft departed Brisbane earlier today carrying 25 Australian officials from foreign affairs, AusAID, defence and Emergency Management Authority plus doctors.

Air New Zealand doubled its capacity for today’s flight to Apia, replacing a 152-seat Airbus A320 with a 304-seat Boeing 777.
The carrier has also added an additional flight between Auckland and Samoa to assist the tsunami relief effort on Saturday.

General manager airline operations David Morgan says the Boeing 767 will have the ability to carry 223 passengers and up to seven tonnes of cargo.

"It is rapidly becoming clear that a lot of people and aid will need to move between New Zealand and Samoa on Saturday as the full extent of the devastation becomes clearer," he said.

Passengers with flights booked from Australia to Samoa in the next week will be able to change or cancel them without incurring fees.

Air New Zealand and Polynesian Blue, co-owned by Virgin Blue and the Samoan Government, will continue to operate flights into the capital Apia as normal in the wake of today's tsunami.

An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said the airline would "use discretion" regarding passengers wanting to change or cancel flights, but said passengers would not be penalised as a result of the tsunami.