Summary
Content
AIR OPERATIONS UPDATE 3
INDONESIA
GENERAL
Transition from almost total reliance on military aircraft for airlift in country to greater self-reliance on chartered aircraft under direct tasking control of UNHAS continues. Thus far, nothing like the anticipated amount of cargo for helicopter lift from Banda Aceh has materialised. Apart from WFP, UNJLC/UNHAS has not had any approach from agencies/implementing partners wishing to airlift large amounts of cargo by helicopter. The capability is there to be used. Unless significant amounts of cargo for helicopter lift arise, further reductions in helicopter capacity are likely.
AIRFIELDS
Medan
Medan is used to receive cargo coming in to country which: either cannot be delivered directly to Banda Aceh; or is destined for locations elsewhere in Northern Sumatra; or for transport by other means. It is also the base for 2 French C160 aircraft that are now providing a very valuable airlift capability to Meulaboh. As the main point of entry for cargo, it is also the location of daily air coord meetings which deal with Agencies’ cargo and pax requests. There have been instances recently in which cargo allocated to military flights ex Jakarta has not been carried as agreed due to other priorities/reasons. On the other hand, some cargoes have not been delivered to their allocated flight. In both cases, the consignor and the carrier have not been informed until a very late stage. Remedial action is in hand.
Banda Aceh
At present focus of air cargo which can be delivered direct and is required for on move to nearby locations by air or surface means. Cargo is also delivered to Banda Aceh airport by road for on-move by air. Special procedures for helicopter operations are in force. The UNJLC/UNHAS Air team has yet to be fully resourced in terms of equipment and manpower. Of particular concern is the shortage of reliable voice communications equipment without which it is impossible to comply with MOSS standards for flight operations. The British, Malaysian and US have withdrawn their aircraft and ground handling teams. The departure of the ground handling teams has highlighted the true extent of their outstanding contribution to the running of the airport. Without the first class support provided by the TNT team which remain, together with their equipment, continued operations at the present rate would not be possible.
Meulaboh
UNJLC/UNHAS are establishing procedures for flight bookings in close conjunction with the TNI. Following repair work to make it fit for 50 flights, the airstrip (Cut Nyak Dien) is now being used. Several French C160 flights have taken place. We are trying to confirm that the airstrip will be maintained in usable condition. A bulk fuel capability is in the process of being established.
Other Airfields in Disaster Area
Efforts to identify suitable short fixed landing strips between Banda Aceh and Meulaboh have begun.
AIRCRAFT
Available from Military
Jakarta (Halim)
- One New Zealand C130
- One Australian C130, actually Butterworth based, but occasionally operates from Halim.
- One Singapore C130, similarly, based in Singapore and sometimes available.
Medan
- 2 x French C160
Subang
- Two Malaysian C130
Under Control of UNHAS
Helicopters
- 3 Puma
- 2 Mtv (mi17) (similar to Mi 8 but with heavier lift capability)
Currently all based Sabang but operating daily from Banda Aceh as required.
Note: In addition, there are 2 (3 in country but only 2 available on a daily basis) Pumas formerly assigned to UNHCR, now in the pool of aircraft available for common services..
Fixed Wing
Regional Role
- 2 x IL 76 based Subang (Malaysia)
In-Country
- HS 125 (exec jet) based Jakarta (Halim) for VIP/delegations. To be replaced by C130, due to arrive in the next few days, with 49 seat and 20 stretcher capability. Also a Twin Otter is expected in then same timescale operating a Northern Sumatra “bus service” based at Banda Aceh.
SRI LANKA
GENERAL
The UN is presently relying on 2 Italian Canadairs for regular transport of UN personnel. Italian aircraft are scheduled to leave Sri Lanka by the end of February. The GoSL refused to give the permission to the UN to deploy a medium size helicopter (Mi-8). The deployment of an Mi-8 helicopter was envisaged to replacement the aircraft provided by the Italian Government.
AIRFIELDS
Ratmalana
This military/civil airfield is being used as home base by the Italian Canadairs fire fighting aircraft for daily transport of personnel to affected areas.
Bandaranaike International Airport BIA
Used as the main port of entry for air cargo. Receiving approximately 5 relief/cargo flights a day.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
Lion Air is executing scheduled flights (twice a day) from Ratmalana airport to Jaffna
Schedule:
- ETD 0745 Ratmalana ETA 0845 Jaffna
- ETD 0940 Jaffna ETA 1040 Ratmalana
- ETD 1300 Ratmalana ETA 1400 Jaffna
- ETD 1445 Jaffna ETA 1545 Ratmalana
Aerolanka (former Serendib Express) is executing a daily flight, except on Wednesdays from Ratmalana airport to Jaffna
Schedule:
- ETD 0745 Ratmalana ETA 0900 Jaffna
- ETD 0945 Jaffna ETA 1100 Ratmalana
Sri Lankan Air Taxi (amphibious plane with 8 seats) is flying upon request from Ratmalana or BIA to following destinations and also in between these:
Kandy, Koggala, Bentota, Trincomale, Hingunakgoda, Anuradhapura, Ampara and Wirawila
For more information: www.srilankan.lk
Deccan Aviation is flying upon request (2 hours in advance) to any destination where a helicopter can land with Bell Jet Ranger (max 4 seats) subject to Government approval.
For more information: www.simplifly.com