WASHINGTON – The U.S. Defense Department activated the Civil Reserve Air Fleet program to muster airliners from U.S. carriers for Afghanistan rescue flights. The commercial planes would not fly into Kabul but instead would be used to transport those who have already been flown out of the country to military bases. John Kirby, Defense Department spokesperson, said that the CRAF program will allow military aircraft to focus on operations in and out of Kabul. Drafted into service were planes from
> American Airlines: Three widebody planes to the Arabian Peninsula and Europe.
> Atlas Air: Three planes.
> Delta Air Lines: Three planes.
> Omni Air: Three planes.
> Hawaiian Airlines: Two planes.
> United Airlines: Four 777-300 widebodies.
The airlines expect no disruption of schedules and routes.
Verbatim
American Airlines: “The images from Afghanistan are heartbreaking. The airline is proud and grateful of our pilots and flight attendants, who will be operating these trips to be a part of this life-saving effort.”
United Airlines: “As a global airline and flag carrier for our country, we embrace the responsibility to quickly respond to international challenges like these and use our expertise to ensure the safe passage of our fellow countrymen and women as well as those who have risked their lives to help keep them safe.”
Seldom used
The Civil Reserve Air Fleet program has been used only twice before:
> Operation Desert Storm: August 1990 to May 1991.
> Operation Iraqi Freedom. February 2002 to June 2003.