fp Turks and Caicos

Provo Air Center, an InterIsland Aviation Services Company which also includes Air Turks & Caicos, has joined forces with local businesses and the Provo Airport Authority to facilitate relief aid aircraft traveling to Haiti.

Provo Air Center employees have been working overtime to facilitate the relief aid efforts, and the company has waived all handing fees and offered a special fuel rate. Kenneth Abrams, financial comptroller at the Providenciales Airport Authority, has also waived all landing fees, navigational fees and overtime fees associated with late operation for all inbound aircrafts heading to Haiti.

Air Turks & Caicos is assisting with transporting relief aid to Port-au-Prince, and they are offering space-available complimentary tickets to relief aid workers from well known organizations traveling to Haiti. The airline has also set up a humanitarian line at 941-3511 for those wishing to donate. The private airport is now handling about 25 humanitarian flights every day. The private airport has also served as a campground for pilots and relief aid workers waiting for clearance to land at the Haiti international airport.

A special plane equipped with 3D imaging equipment has been based at Provo Air Center and is flying imaging flights every night. The processed images tell the military which roads will be easiest to clear for traffic.

The airport has seen several aircraft returning to refuel after making several failed attempt to land in Haiti due to congested runways at the Port-au-Prince airport. On Jan. 16, a Canadian Army C-130 Hercules had some minor mechanical problems and had to land at the airport. Members of the Canadian Army and civilian specialists numbering 800, including doctors, paramedics, and search and rescue personnel, are on their way to Haiti to help with the cleanup and rescue.

Local businesses and organizations have also been helping. Angela’s Deli, the Red Cross, Tiki Hut, IGA, Mother’s Pizza, Island Pride and dozens of private volunteers have been keeping the relief workers supplied with food and drink and are now mobilizing to provide additional relief supplies.