National Airlines Provides Massive Cargo Airlift to Puerto Rico in Support of Global Relief Effort

National Operates Flights Delivering 2.7 million Pounds of Cargo to Support Ongoing Efforts and Restore Basic Necessities to Island's Residents

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National Airlines

Oct 17, 2017, 10:13 ET

ORLANDO, Fla. and SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- National Airlines, (the "Company" or "National"), a leading U.S. Part 121 Certified Air Carrier specializing in custom transportation needs for corporations and government entities, is proud to announce that its 747-400 freighter fleet has operated 13 flights transporting 2.7 million pounds of much needed aide to Puerto Rico and quickly deliver goods to areas most devastated by Hurricane Maria. In addition, the Company operated a flight that transported more than 200 stranded cruise ship passengers on its 757-200 on a relief flight from Miami to San Juan.

Seven of the cargo relief flights – six originating in Dallas, Texas, and one in Atlanta, Georgia – carried more than 1.5 million pounds of food and supplies to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, a tourist town of nearly 60,000 on the western coast of Puerto Rico that was ravaged by Hurricane Maria's Category 5 storm surge that buried much of the commonwealth. San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital, has received the bulk of aid supplies from private and governmental organizations, secondary cities like Aguadilla remain in states of emergency and are in desperate need of supplies.

"National Airlines has tirelessly supported Americans at home and abroad for nearly 20 years," noted Christopher Alf, Chairman and CEO. "In the case of Puerto Rico, National was able to mobilize quickly and efficiently to deliver massive amounts of necessary supplies to the island, and hopefully in the process, save lives."

It is currently reported that only 10% of Puerto Rico has access to power and only 50% to clean drinking water. As part of the effort to quickly restore basic necessities to the country's 3.4 million citizens, National delivered 1.2 million pounds of supplies to San Juan. Originating in Miami, National delivered to San Juan trucks and other equipment necessary to restore power and phone access to the island, where many citizens remain unable to access mobile or land-line telephone service.

"As a Company based in Florida, National Airlines is familiar with extreme weather and well equipped to handle emergency situations," said Mr. Alf. "We are proud of our employees for their swift response and call to action, and their resilience following Hurricane Irma to help others in need."

National's relief efforts to support Puerto Rico remain ongoing. The Company remains committed to supporting those in need and will continue to provide logistics and transportation support to those affected by natural disasters around the world.

About National Airlines
National Airlines is a U.S. Certified Air Carrier that has specialized in custom transportation needs for companies and governments for over 20 years. With its headquarters based in Orlando, Florida, National Airlines possess World Wide Operating Authority for both passenger and cargo aircraft. National Airlines routinely flies from the U.S. and Europe to the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia, as well as North and South America.

Contact:
National Airlines
Tricia Klingensmith
716.631.0011
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nationalairlines.com

SOURCE National Airlines