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INDIAN OCEAN - AIR OPERATIONS UPDATE 2
UNJLC Aviation Update. These will now be referred to Aviation Updates to avoid any possible confusion with the regular UNJLC bulletins. These updates will be issued when they are required but recipients are reminded that the regular UNJLC Bulletins also, include air information. Anyone can subscribe to receive these bulletins through the UNJLC website. Information for this update, the main bulletin and the website all depend on information fed to the UNJLC. Any aviation related information can be sent to airinfo@unjlc.org.
STRATEGIC AIR TRANSPORT
Resupply Plans. Strategic military airlift into the Indian Ocean region has now finished and chartered flights have also reduced dramatically. However, there are still some flights to the region from airfields as far apart as Europe and Australia. When these flights are chartered for a specific need the aircraft used may mean that there is spare capacity available. Agencies have advised UNJLC of this capacity and are asked to continue doing so. However, UNJLC has received only two requests for airlift into the region and consequently some of this space has gone unused. Therefore, organisations are requested to let UNJLC know of any potential requests for transport into the region. There are not many flights with spare capacity and there can be no guarantee of being able to move such freight into the region but without any requests it is impossible to link the two when they are compatible. Please advise airinfo@unjlc.org of planned flights (even if it is unknown whether there will be any spare capacity) and any requests for assistance should be sent using the form on the UNJLC website.
Subang Air Hub. The Subang Humanitarian Air Hub in Malaysia is working very well with assistance form the local authorities and the C130s, made available by Malaysia and Denmark, for onward flight to Medan and Banda Aceh. Despite previous requests some aircraft having been arriving at Subang with informing the handling authorities beforehand. This has led to delays with unloading and turnaround and does help relations with the generous host nation. Organisations are reminded to UNJLC at Subang, via airaceh@unjlc.org, of incoming cargo to Subang or Kuala Lumpur at least 48 hours in advance. This should include Flight number, ETA, a basic description of the freight with weight and volume, and an ultimate consignee.
REGIONAL AIR TRANSPORT
Available Aircraft. Multi-national military forces have committed to leaving the area as the UN increases its aircraft presence. Current UN assigned air assets are listed at Annex A. Decisions on the final numbers and types of aircraft have not yet been made as it depends on the future demand, rather than past need, of the humanitarian community. Therefore, to ensure that sufficient assets will be in place, organisations are asked to give an outline of their possible needs. There are still two IL76s at Subang available for extended regional airlift. Requests to use these aircraft and an outline of possible needs should be sent to airaceh@unjlc.org.
Indonesian Flight Clearance. Indonesian authorities have been operating an “open skies” policy to minimise the complications for air support. However, this has now finished with effect from 31st January 2005. Therefore all aircraft planning to fly into the region will now need the usual clearance, with registration, for each flight within Indonesia. A temporary dispensation of a weekly clearance for UN aircraft operating within the country has been obtained.
AIRFIELDS
Following the earthquake and Tsunami damage the Indonesia AIP information is in a state for review. Therefore it is essential that operators exercise caution when operating in Indonesian airspace and should clarify all routing and the existence of destination approach procedures with ATC prior to departure. All Navaids are reported to be working at the main 2 airports of Medan and Banda Aceh. A précis of the current state of the main airfields in Indonesia is at Annex B or on the unjlc website airfields information area .
Meulaboh. The runway at Meulaboh has now been repaired by the Indonesian authorities to a standard that will take C130 aircraft for a temporary period. The road to the town, although damaged, is also passable with care. However, there are no known handling facilities there and the airfield is 10 miles from the town which has several helicopter landing points and two ship landing points for shallow draft boats. Details on all these landing points along with photographs, courtesy of the Singapore Air Force are available on the website. UNHAS is positioning helicopter fuel for Meulaboh.
Latest Airfield Information. The latest information on airfields is available on the UNJLC website. Any details on airfields, particularly the logistical aspects or changes due to the current crisis should be sent to airinfo@unjlc.org so that it can be shared with all users. This service in way replaces Notams or other flight planning information.