MSY Relief Flight Update

I have been in contact with System Crew Scheduling and CLT Inflight throughout the day regarding our crew participating in the New Orleans relief effort. The mission experienced delays this afternoon in MSY due to overwhelming logistical problems at the airport. The crew arrived in MSY this afternoon and carried 122 souls to Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas this evening. FEMA officials have determined that the facilities in Lackland are filled to capacity and directed the crew not to return to MSY for another round trip. 

I have spoken to CLT Flight Attendant Walt Calloway upon the crew's arrival in IAH. Walt reports the crew is fine and the passengers they carried tonight were gracious and appreciative of the support provided. Walt said he and the crew are all disappointed they were restricted to only one trip into MSY. He went on to say the crew went inside the terminal in MSY and were shocked at what they saw. I can only imagine the sights they witnessed. 

The crew is scheduled to return to MSY tomorrow afternoon and take another group of hurricane victims to Dobbins Air Force Base in Georgia.

This crew is the best of what we have to offer. We all would have done what they have done and soon may be called to follow in their footsteps. May they rest well tonight and know that each of us holds a special place in our hearts for them. God bless them and all those they helped today.

Thanks,

Mike Flores
MEC President