Mishall RehmanWith October sneaking up on us, it’s not too late to start thinking about winter holiday plans. So, why not try something new this year and apply for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Christmas Flight Program?
“The purpose of the program is to provide the opportunity for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) military personnel to be reunited with their families during the holiday period,” said Capt. Thomas Edelson, Public Affairs Officer at Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters.
Flights start running to multiple locations across Canada starting on Dec. 16, 2016, and running through Jan. 8, 2017.
Category one applications, CAF, NATO, U.S., or Commonwealth military members who are separated from their next-of-kin due to service, are given first priority. Category one applicants must have submitted their registration through their respective orderly room prior to Sept. 29.
Category two applications, other CAF members, and their dependents, can start applying for the program starting Oct. 20 until Dec. 5. Category two will begin receiving confirmation for their seats beginning Nov. 4.
“Programs like the Christmas Flight Program, helps to ease the challenges for travelling members spread across the country during one of the busiest times of the year. Reuniting families during the holiday season has a direct impact on the well-being of our members as the morale and welfare of our military families has a direct impact on the operational readiness of the CAF,” stated Edelson.
The Christmas Flight schedule is available for viewing to any military and civilian members with access to the Defence Wide Area Network (DWAN).
Flights are subject to cancellation at short notice for operational reasons. If a flight is cancelled members are responsible for making their own travel arrangements.
