Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has supported the efforts of Virgin Atlantic Airways to deliver urgently-needed aid to earthquake victims in Haiti by waiving handling charges in Miami and Orlando for 79,500 kilos of medical kits, food supplies and tarpaulins.

The airline asked suppliers in the UK and US to donate their services to support the fast delivery of relief goods to Haiti and WFS was delighted to support the initiative.

The shipments were delivered on behalf of ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by disaster worldwide. Shelterboxes are usually packed with one or two 10-person tents. Other items can include insulated sleeping mats and thermal blankets, water purification tablets, water purification kits, water containers/carriers, a trenching shovel, a multi-fueled cook stove, eating utensils and plates, a children's activity kit and other essential items.

The boxes carried free of charge by Virgin Atlantic Cargo are being used to build a tented village with support from the United Nations and other aid agencies. Most of the shelters are being used to perform operations and for subsequent use as recovery rooms and well as for orphanages, some of which were operating completely in the open. The huge earthquake is estimated to have cost the lives of 200,000 people and made a further one million homeless.

Jeff Pauletti, Area General Manager for WFS, said: 'We welcome the opportunity to assist in the relief effort following the tragedy in Haiti, particularly given the close links between South Florida and Haiti. When Virgin asked for our support, we were proud to help as part of the huge relief effort for the people of Haiti.'

In North America, WFS provides cargo handling for Virgin Atlantic in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York (JFK), Orlando and Washington D.C (IAD).