In June 2020, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority asked Air Charter Service to transport a Chinook helicopter and eight firefighter crews from the USA to Indonesia, where they were needed on a year-long mission to help battle the country’s regular bushfires.
Fire-fighting helicopter, Indonesia
In June 2020, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority asked Air Charter Service to transport a Chinook helicopter and eight firefighter crews from the USA to Indonesia, where they were needed on a year-long mission to help battle the country’s regular bushfires.
OUR SOLUTION
Route: Billings > Palembang
Aircraft: Antonov An-124
In addition to the helicopter and firefighters, the chartered aircraft had to accommodate a sea container of parts and other supplies including food, masks and Covid-19 testing kits. We sourced one of the world’s largest cargo planes, an Antonov An-124, which had enough space to transport the enormous payload and came in under-budget. The Antonov was also chosen for its non-pressurised cabin, as the helicopter had to fly with a reduced atmospheric pressure of 248 hPa. The local shipper also provided pressure-controlling valves to prevent damage to the cargo during the aircraft’s ascent and descent.
Following several delays, the flight went ahead in early August. Our team continually monitored local logistics in Billings and Palembang and helped to arrange onboard hospitality for the crews, ensuring the charter ran smoothly from start to finish.
THE FINER DETAILS
24/7 Expertise: The client was chartering for the first time, so we went above and beyond to offer round-the-clock advice and expertise throughout the process – even joining a Zoom meeting until midnight.
Reliable Service: When the charter encountered delays, we negotiated with the carrier and rescheduled the flight without losing the very competitive original quote we’d brokered.