With the ability to quickly transport passengers and cargo to and from disaster areas, business aviation can be a critical support during emergencies. A new nonprofit organization, Sky Hope Network, seeks to leverage the strength of business aviation to aid in disaster recovery.
The group’s mission is “to coordinate business aviation relief flights during both small- and large-scale disasters; to provide coordination and referrals of flight requests for urgent or emergency situations through Sky Hope’s aircraft network or by working with other flight charity organizations; and to offer emergency assistance, both flight and non-flight related, for people in the business aviation community.”
Sky Hope Network was founded by Jet Quest, Inc. Vice President Robin Eissler, who played key roles in Corporate Aviation Responding to Emergencies (C.A.R.E.) relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina and the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Other founding board members are Sean Anthony of Windsor Jet Management, Eric Zipkin of Tradewind Aviation, AOPA Insurance Agency President Janet Bressler, and NBAA Director of Operations and Educational Development Jo Damato.
“Business aircraft are not only critical to the success of industry, but also life-saving machines. The purpose of Sky Hope Network is to harness the power of the business aviation network to provide vital lift to those in need,” said Bressler. “I am honored to be a member of the Sky Hope board or directors and see my service simply as an extension of the amazing contributions AOPA makes every day to keep general aviation alive and well.”