Both deliveries originated at the San Joaquin Defense Depot in Tracy, California and were flown from Stockton Airport to Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. The first shipment, which contained 35,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meals, required Pilot Air Freight to supply a 727 cargo aircraft within 2.5 hours of notice at 9:00 pm on September 7, 2005 and deliver the meals to New Orleans by 8:00 am the next morning. The second shipment, which contained 100,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meals, came with 1.5 hours of notice on the evening of September 8, 2005 and required Pilot Air Freight to supply a cargo DC-8 aircraft to meet the next morning, 7:00 am delivery deadline.
"It is exceedingly satisfying to realize that Pilot's capabilities have played a role in feeding hungry victims of Hurricane Katrina," says Richard G. Phillips, Pilot Air Freight's Chairman, President and CEO. "This opportunity to help arose from our close working relationship with Tracy Depot, and our people's ability to step in and step up to meet any challenge. In particular, Pilot Air Freight commends District Manager Shelly Brick and Account Representative Janet Rollandi, who took immediate action to make this delivery happen for Tracy Depot and the people of New Orleans."
Pilot Air Freight was also commended by Colonel Douglas Serrano, Commander of Tracy Depot, who said, "Thanks for all of your help. We were challenged, we made it happen, we made a difference, and our respective organizations shined. Please pass on my thanks to all of your folks who worked to make this happen."
