United's 9902 Chicago>Port-au-Prince Flights to Support Earthquake Relief Efforts

Firewind · Jan 19, 10, 2:53 pm

Just heard on CBS radio news that United announced that it will fly a 757 with 15,000 lbs. of bottled water, donated by Walgreens, to Haiti. Also, this will be one of "20 planned relief flights by United". No details as to what the other flights will include. Apparently it was delayed by the kluge at PAP.

Seems United is acting in its usual fashion when the word "airlift" comes up. Bravo, United and Walgreens.

(Nice also to hear that SDQ is now being used for relief operations. At last!)

United PR · Jan 19, 10, 3:39 pm

Hi Folks,

Thank you to all who have donated cash and miles to help those in need in Haiti. As you may have seen in today’s Chicago Tribune (or read elsewhere on FT), we’re sending a 757 to Haiti tomorrow/Wednesday morning loaded with supplies, communications equipment, and dozens of relief workers and UA operations employees. This will be the first of many planned flights to the region that we’ll operate throughout the weeks ahead.

Many departments are teaming up to connect supplies and relief workers with needs in Haiti. Meanwhile, we urge you to contribute to the effort if you haven’t already done so. Your donated miles fund transportation – for Haiti relief, staff travel and other travel needs – for organizations making a difference.

Chicago Tribune Story: http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,2713393.story

Support Haiti earthquake relief: http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,53336,00.html

Thanks again,

United PR

whakojacko · Jan 19, 10, 4:01 pm

Thanks for the update, United PR

.

ORDnHKG · Jan 20, 10, 5:53 am

UA 9902 ORD>PAP>SJU>ORD. Same day turnaround charter flight.

http://www.ua2go.com/flifo/FlightSum...x=37&Check.y=9

United PR · Jan 20, 10, 12:28 pm

Hi everyone. United PR was at ORD this morning for the departure of UA 9902 to Port-au-Prince. Thought that maybe you'd like to see some of the pre-dawn action at B8 as we prepared to push. Don't get your hopes up too much: United PR is not a professional fotog -- not really that good at snapping pics at all -- and these photos were taken with an iPhone.

Check in - ORD, Mod 4

http://www.twitpic.com/yyhnc

Don't often see this

http://www.twitpic.com/yyhoz

Last of the cargo

http://www.twitpic.com/yy6qx

Boarding

http://www.twitpic.com/yyhsh

While we are proud to be a part of the effort, the real work is being done by the relief agencies, the doctors, the nurses and so many others who are volunteering to make a difference. They are the real heroes -- as are all of you who have contributed.

Thanks again, from all of us!

United PR

fadeforward · Jan 20, 10, 12:33 pm

They definitely deserve to board on the red carpet.

**MileageAddict** · Jan 20, 10, 12:36 pm

Big thumbs up to UA for this noble effort.

jamesdenver · Jan 20, 10, 12:40 pm

I arrived at ORD super early this morning for a 6am flight and saw a group lined up at check-in at 4am. (The only group lined up.)

They all had matching jackets and military haircuts, but no fatigues and camo gear as you usually see. I assumed it was a flight overseas connecting through IAD, but perhaps part the the group in the photos

Was this the group en route to Haiti? Had I not been so bleary and seen the boarding sign I would have certainly stopped the gate and given my thanks and best wishes!

(jeez I walked right past the dinosaur too.) Thanks from here in Denver in any case. Red Carpet indeed.

kokonutz · Jan 20, 10, 12:44 pm

Awesome. And thanks for sharing the photos!

Flight Tracker.

ual744777sta · Jan 20, 10, 12:46 pm

The best part of charter flight is the flexibility, but it looks like the air traffic is still pretty strict there.

[KVS Availability Tool 5.1.8/Diamond - WSpan Operational Info: UA 9902/20 Jan 2010]

Code:

F:9902/20JAN                                                    
CHARTER SERVICE                                                 
ORD/0713CT/OFF   713A23.16L ARPT                                
PAP/1114CT/IN   1212P23.12L ARPT    DPTS  300P       OT         
SJU/1324CT/ETA   615P 1.45L SECU    ETD   720P 1.20L SECU       
ORD*1324CT/ETA  1015P  .55L SECU                                
      ARRIVAL       BAGGAGE         DEPARTURE                   
   TERMINAL GATE   CLAIM AREA     TERMINAL GATE                 
ORD                                  CHK   CHK                  
PAP   CHK   CHK      CHK             CHK   CHK                  
)                                                               
>

Great job UA! Keep up the good work!

warreng24 · Jan 20, 10, 1:11 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ORDnHKG

UA 9902 ORD>PAP>SJU>ORD. Same day turnaround charter flight.

http://www.ua2go.com/flifo/FlightSum...x=37&Check.y=9

There's the understatement of the year. Especially after reading this article on PAP's airport tower operations (post-earthquake).

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...googlenews_wsj

Quote:

Arrival
Port Au Prince, Haiti (PAP)
Thu, Jan 21
Scheduled: 1:00 PM
Actual: 12:12 PM
Reason: Schedule change due to Airport Operations
Gate: --
Baggage claim: --

goalie · Jan 20, 10, 1:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by MileageAddict

Big thumbs up to UA for this noble effort.

couldn't agree more. great job united

and thanks for sharing United PR

Benny8444 · Jan 20, 10, 1:43 pm

This is a great move!!! I am glad UA went out of their way to send a 757 to PUP in hard times.

It shows how great we can be in assisting our neighbors in times of need.

wiredboy10003 · Jan 20, 10, 2:30 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by MileageAddict

Big thumbs up to UA for this noble effort.

Two more thumbs from me!

check9rip · Jan 20, 10, 2:39 pm

Heard about this on the radio today... its the small things like this that makes me happy to fly United.