FIRST CIVILIAN AIR RELIEF ARRIVES IN DEVASTATED TACLOBAN

As the backlog of humanitarian aid starts to mount at Cebu Airport, with warehouses full, the first civilian cargo flight has landed in the devastated city of Tacloban. Up until now, only military aircraft and small passenger planes have been able to land at the local airport. Air Charter Service, who chartered the Antonov 12 aircraft (pictured during loading above), said the flight was carrying just under 10 tons of vital aid for the Belgian Foreign Ministry. Justin Lancaster, Air Charter Service’s Group Cargo Director, commented. “The aircraft touched down at 08:13 local time [00:13 GMT] and now that we have made this breakthrough we expect many others to follow with more essential cargo. We’ve worked in conjunction with the relevant authorities to obtain permissions to land and to ensure the safety of the crew, the aircraft and its cargo.” For the latest updates on the situation in the region, visit the ACS blog: www.aircharterservice.com/blog