Carrying nearly 45 tonnes of food packets and other relief materials, Indian Air Force’s C-17 aircraft took off from the Gannavaram airport at 3 a.m. for the first time on Tuesday to Visakhapatnam and landed there in about 45 minutes.
This is an achievement for Gannavaram airport, which is playing a crucial role in relief and rehabilitation of Hudhud cyclone-hit Visakhapatnam and neighbouring districts. With no night operations facility at the airport, the authorities have been on 24-hour operations daily since Sunday to ensure timely transportation of relief materials to the cyclone victims.
The C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft arrived at the airport from New Delhi and special arrangements were made by the authorities for its take off in the wee hours on Tuesday. The aircraft is introduced into the air force to strengthen operations, disaster relief measures and other missions.
It has centralized AC facility to ensure that food material does not get damaged, said Gannavaram Airport Director M. Rajkishore.
Fighting against all odds, including lack of communication systems, inclement weather and poor visibility even during the day time, pilots and airport authorities did a commendable job in transporting the food and other materials for the victims.
It was very challenging for the pilots and airport staff as the communication system was damaged and the staff had to coordinate with Naval ATC at Visakhapatnam and military liaison unit at Hyderabad for navigation and other purposes, he said.
“In all, three Chetak type helicopters and AN 32 type aircraft were used for transporting the food and other materials from the airport. Since Sunday, nearly 55 tonnes materials have been transported and we are prepared to extend all possible help from our end,” said Mr. Rajkishore.
On Tuesday, two AN 32 type aircraft took off from the airport at 7 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. each carrying 4 tonne of food and other materials.
