Airlink, United Airlines transport relief aid to hurricane-hit Bahamas

September 18, 2019: Airlink has partnered with United Airlines to launch a flight carrying critical supplies and relief teams for five non-profit organisations as part of the Bahamas fight to recover from the devastating impact of hurricane Dorian.

The plane, carrying nearly 100 relief workers and 30,000 pounds of aid including hygiene kits and food, left George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas and landed at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, the Bahamas on September 17. Organisations being assisted by the partnership are Heart to Heart International, Mercy Corps, Rise Against Hunger, Team Rubicon and Waves for Water.

"Working with Airlink has helped us deliver a significant and efficient response to hurricane Dorian's impact by connecting United with the incredible relief workers and organisations stepping up to help in The Bahamas," said Sharon Grant, chief community engagement officer at United Airlines. "Today's flight represents what great work we can do when we come together for our communities in need, and while we are proud of this effort, we also recognise the importance of continuing to work with organisations on the ground to help Bahamians rebuild."

For organisations like Team Rubicon, which had dozens of relief workers on the flight, Airlink's support means their efforts to assist hurricane-impacted communities can be sustained.

"Our teams were on the ground in the immediate aftermath answering calls from the EMT Coordination Cell and providing debris removal services to impacted communities," said Brent Slough, mobilisation manager for Team Rubicon. "Organisations like Airlink enable Team Rubicon's impact to be greater and our service to these communities longer. We're thankful for their generosity and for getting our teams on the ground."

With support from donors and seven airline partners including United Airlines, Airlink has arranged free transportation for 24 organisations sending more than 260 relief workers to the Bahamas in the last two weeks.

In anticipation of continued need, Airlink is raising funds to support future flights and operations.