The Florida Panthers and Eastern Air Lines today flew a joint mission to the Bahamas to bring supplies purchased and donated in South Florida, as well as supplies from Freeport and Nassau, the island of Exuma in the Bahamas. From Exuma, smaller aircraft will distribute the supplies to some of the islands most heavily impacted by Hurricane Joaquin, which brought Category 4 winds to much of the Bahamas chain of islands.

The Flight originated from Miami International Airport, where over five tons of supplies were loaded aboard Eastern’s 737-700, The Spirit of the American Soldier, which is used primarily by the Florida Panthers for their road trips.

“We are fortunate to be able to team with Eastern on this flight. The Panthers are an important part of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, where many Bahamians maintain homes, and many of them are Panthers fans. We felt this was an excellent way to give back to the community which supports us.” said Peter Luukko, Executive Chairman of the Panthers.

“The Bahamas has always been a special place for Eastern and its employees over the past 70 years, and will be a prominent part of our plans for the future” said Ed Wegel, Eastern’s President and CEO. “Like the Panthers, we feel a great obligation to give back to those who have supported us so well over so many years, and we greatly appreciate the Panthers providing use of the aircraft for today’s flight.”

Volunteers from both the Panthers and Eastern will be on the flight to provide assistance on the ground including loading and offloading of supplies.

“We are indeed very fortunate to have great friends in both the Panthers and Eastern organizations, who foresaw our needs and quickly volunteered to donate their time and resources to assist in our relief efforts. We thank both teams for their work for the Bahamas today” said Minister Obediah Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism for the Bahamas.”

For more information: Mike Jennings, Eastern Air Lines 305-908-8395 or mike.jennings@easternairlines.aero