Arctic planes carry earthquake relief to Haiti

A forklift operator loads a pallet onto one of First Air’s Lockheed Hercules 382 aircraft in an undated file photo taken at the Iqaluit airport. First Air is the only private operator in Canada that uses the huge Hercules transport planes.

Three of the biggest airplanes in the Arctic are bringing vital equipment to Haiti this week.

First Air’s two Hercules cargo planes completed a mission to Haiti Jan. 15. The two aircraft are now in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, awaiting further missions to the earthquake-stricken country.

And First Air’s massive Boeing 767 cargo jet is now on its way to Toronto to be loaded with supplies that are to be flown to Haiti, part of an effort launched with the help of the Belinda Stronach Foundation.

“First Air is pleased to provide critical airlift and financial support to help with the humanitarian efforts being undertaken for this disaster area,” First Air CEO Scott Bateman said in a news release.

The Hercules 382 Lockheed aircraft, better known as “Hercs,” will spend at least a week on relief efforts.

Because the Haitian situation is so unpredictable, it’s not clear how long the planes will be needed.

The two planes are usually based in Yellowknife, working on mining and petroleum industry charters.

The planes are designed for rapid offloading, including airdrops of cargo in emergency situations. Each is capable of carrying more than 20,000 kg.

First Air’s vice-president of sales and marketing Chris Ferris admitted it will be a challenge to meet First Air’s commitments without them.

The company may have to hire other companies to make up the difference, he said.

The First Air Boeing 767’s flight to Haiti is a one-time mission at this point, but it may return to Haiti next week, Ferris said.

The plane can carry more than 45,000 kg.

The Ottawa-based 767’s usual job is shipping freight, mail and food mail to the communities of the eastern Arctic.

“It’s obviously a vital service so it’s not something we can take away for an extended period of time,” Ferris said.

The cost of the 767 mission is estimated at $125,000, shared between First Air and the Belinda Stronach Foundation.

Also this week, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announced they will donate $90,000 to the Haiti relief effort.