[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 54 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                              WALTER ARBIB

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2001

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I stand to recognize and salute a dear 
friend and a wonderful human being, Walter Arbib.
  A resident and native of Israel before moving to Canada in 1988, 
Walter Arbib started his career as an Israeli tourist agent and took 
advantage of the normalized relations between Israel and Egypt for his 
business. As his work progressed and new horizons seemed to dawn, 
Walter came upon the idea of moving his work into the international 
relief area. Already, at this point, as co-owner of a number of SkyLink 
discount travel offices, Walter established his headquarters in 
Toronto, Canada and was the catalyst for a dream that has grown 
exponentially since that time. What began as a group of small travel 
offices has evolved into SkyLink Group which includes SkyLink Express, 
and air courier business; SkyLink Travel, a discount airline ticket 
agency; Sishost Corp., an Internet-based application hosting platform; 
and Dollar Rent-A-Car.
  At a cursory glance, the SkyLink group of companies seems no more 
than an affordable, expansive travel group. However, Walter Arbib's 
vision has gone much further than simply affordable travel. SkyLink 
Aviation, Inc. is an internationally licensed operator of aircraft and 
helicopters which specializes in Air Support Project Management, Air 
Charters, Aviation Support, Aircraft Maintenance, Air Courier, 
Executive Aircraft, Flight Planning and Clearance Services. In short, 
SkyLink supplies much needed air support for humanitarian and other 
missions throughout the globe.
  Walter's clientele has become as diverse as the United Nations 
(incidentally one of SkyLink's first contracts). Foreign governments, 
as well as the United States, have hired Walter Arbib and SkyLink to 
deliver food to refugees, evacuate workers, and fly into dangerous 
areas to provide aid and transportation. SkyLink owns approximately 
fourteen planes and four helicopters, but leases the bulk of its 
aircraft from a network of companies, sometimes as many as one hundred 
planes can be involved in any given operation in a matter of hours. 
Walter's company is always on call. If an emergency request comes 
through, SkyLink is prepared to act immediately.
  Often, Walter doesn't even wait for a call before his aircraft are on 
their way to participate or spearhead disaster relief halfway across 
the globe. During severe flooding in Mozambique, SkyLink started to 
move their helicopters before Walter was even asked. His pro-active 
approach to work is a combination of good business sense and an 
understanding of the international need for an operation like SkyLink. 
Walter Arbib and SkyLink have received thankful letters and honors from 
many countries that are greatful for the service that he has provided.
  SkyLink's work can sometimes deviate from the stated objective. The 
most illustrative example occurred in 1994 when SkyLink was hired to 
bring aid to Rwanda, in the midst of war. During this operation, 
SkyLink's Operation Manager discovered nine hundred orphans with two 
aid workers struggling in abysmal working conditions. A decision was 
quickly made that SkyLink would donate its aircraft and manpower to the 
first wave of supplies, and would help set up an adequate shelter for 
the orphans. Back at headquarters, Walter stated matter-of-factly that 
he had heard this incredible story from his manager, and decided to 
lend a helping hand, because those children were in the middle of 
nowhere and the people in the field said that they were not leaving 
before they had a chance to help. Such devotion and goodwill is ever-
pervasive in SkyLink under Arbib's leadership.
  Walter Arbib has prospered because of SkyLink's extensive business 
ventures, but never lost sight of the main reason that this business is 
such a success on a number of levels. More often than not, the SkyLink 
symbol can be seen on the helicopters and planes evacuating refugees or 
bringing aid and supplies to needy citizens of other countries. While 
this has meant greater profits for Walter, it also fills him with a 
sense of pride that even in a business venture, comfort and aid can be 
brought to the needy throughout the world.
  The international community is extremely grateful to this 
humanitarian whose work many times provides the difference of life or 
death for countless people in the path of danger.