Fort Worth-based American Airlines is operating humanitarian aid flights to earthquake-stricken Haiti but has not resumed regular service to Port-au-Prince.
American spokesman Tim Smith said the airline has flights out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Port-au-Prince, delivering food, water and other supplies. As of Thursday afternoon, one flight has landed in Haiti and a second was cleared to depart San Juan at about 3 p.m.
Each flight carries an estimated 10,000 pounds of aid. Two relief missions are planned for Thursday and another three on Friday.
Though humanitarian aid flights are in progress, American has not yet resumed passenger flights. American, which suspended service Wednesday, a day after the earthquake, has three Miami flights daily, plus one flight each serving Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and New York's JFK Airport.
The airline is encouraging customers to support the American Red Cross by offering 250 AAdvantage miles for donating at least $50; or 500 miles for donating at least $100. The offer runs from Jan. 14 through Feb. 28.
“Help is urgently needed in Haiti. By partnering with the American Red Cross, we can ensure contributions will support timely efforts to provide much-needed assistance to the millions of people affected by the earthquake,” said Peter J. Dolara, American’s Senior Vice President – Mexico, Caribbean and Latin America. “We invite our customers to join us in supporting the American Red Cross, and it is with our deepest appreciation that we acknowledge their generosity with this opportunity to earn AAdvantage miles.”
American, the main carrier at Port-au-Prince, has more than 100 employees who work at the city's airport.
