Annual Report 2020 MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL MAF Key Facts Mission Aviation Fellowship is a vision & purpose family of international Christian organisations whose mission is to use light aircraft, and other 60 technologies, to bring help and Aircraft hope to people in some of the world’s poorest communities.

539 MAF International oversees 5X-LDR at airport, eastern DRC. destinations Credit: Jacob Steentoft programmes in Arnhem Land in Australia, Bangladesh, Chad, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, 998 Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, South Every 6 minutes , Tanzania, Timor-Leste and organisations SERVED Every six minutes a MAF aircraft takes . Other members of the off or lands somewhere in the world MAF family include MAF Canada transporting people who live in and MAF-US, and various MAF 11,583 remote communities, and assisting affiliates. They also run a number hours flown missions, churches, aid and of programmes around the globe. development agencies, and other km groups to share the love of God. The life-changing work we enable 2,216,945 would not be possible without the flown dedicated support – people, finances and prayer – provided Vision & Purpose by resourcing groups in Australia, 37,800 VISION: To see isolated people Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, passengers physically and spiritually transformed , India, Italy, Malaysia, the transported in Christ’s name , New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Singapore, South 1,096,785 kg PURPOSE: To share God’s love Africa, Sweden, , through aviation and technology the UK and the US.

OF cargo transported 558 Medical staff transfer a patient to the waiting medical evacuation ambulance in eastern DRC. Credit: Jacob Steentoft FLIGHTS

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 2 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 3 Board Chair message CEO message

We continued the connection of address the realities of a global pandemic, we have been reminded communities to critical services, the “It is now pandemic. of the stresses that come with provision of spiritual support and the isolation and separation. As a delivery of medical aid and our time to In nearly every country where MAF ministry, we address the physical and educational supplies. operates, we saw significant decline spiritual needs of those who truly live in our ability to serve the most their whole lives isolated from the The very stressful and uncertain build on the remote, isolated and needy, due to blessings we consider normal. We environment in which we operated the pandemic. However, when able, are preparing ourselves to meet even this year has highlighted the achievements our staff served safely and efficiently, more needs as the pandemic wanes dedication and commitment of the making the most of each opportunity and the reality of its impact remains talented staff who comprise MAF. to meet a need. We were able to play for years to come. Across the globe our teams enabled of Stuart and our part to address the pandemic by our organisation to, once again, flying medical staff, PPE and Covid-19 May those who follow us look back effectively deliver our mission. others...” test kits to remote villages. 75 years from now and give thanks for the work we have undertaken in Peter Curtis We are pleased that we were able to Dave Fyock We are very thankful for the many 2020 and beyond. Chairman continue building the hangar in CEO faithful donors who partner with us Liberia, commence earthworks at through their sacrificial giving, and MAF’s calling to reach remote the centre of excellence in Mareeba, We mourned the loss of Stuart King, Seventy-five years ago, as World for the MAF International resourcing A passenger is helped from the aircraft in Uganda. people, cut off from essential and move our staff in Cairns to a a key founder and visionary of our War II came to an end, a group of groups in 17 countries that work so Credit: Dave Forney resources because of geographical new office we had purchased. mission. From the end of World War II, visionaries merged their love of diligently to undergird our ministry barriers, conflict, natural disasters or until his death, Stuart remained deeply aviation with their love for God and through provision of staff, finances dangerous overland travel, continued As a response to the pandemic we committed to the work of MAF. We created MAF. Plans for 2020 included and prayer support. during 2020 with the complications paused the commencement of our celebrate his life and the enormous celebrating the rich history of our of a global pandemic. new strategic plan to ensure that the contribution he made, and we will organisation, giving thanks for those As Ecclesiastes states, there is a time immediate needs arising from the miss his wisdom, inspiration, and who have served in MAF over the and season for everything. 2020 Like others, our organisation was pandemic were managed. This dedication to learning. years and praising God for the brought the closure of our Mongolia forced to adjust to the pandemic. involved reshaping our budget, opportunities we have had to bring programme, a decision that had During this very difficult time we ensuring staff were safe and cared It is now our time to build on the help, hope and healing to isolated been taken in 2019. It also saw the were blessed with a leadership team for, and operating our crisis achievements of Stuart and others, people and communities. However, groundwork being laid for a new that quickly took action to ensure management team who helped so that people can look back in years it proved to be a year of incredible programme in Guinea, West Africa. our people and customers were guide our response. to come and say of the MAF family, challenge as we adjusted our plans, protected. we understood the times and knew along with the rest of the world, to Throughout these months of the what to do.

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 4 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 5

Where we work

MAFI Resourcing Groups • AUSTRALIA • DENMARK • FINLAND • FRANCE • GERMANY • INDIA • ITALY Other MAF MAFI • MALAYSIA • NETHERLANDS Programmes Programmes • NEW ZEALAND • ANGOLA • ARNHEM LAND • NORWAY • BRAZIL • BANGLADESH • PHILIPPINES • DEMOCRATIC • CHAD • SINGAPORE REPUBLIC • GUINEA* • SOUTH AFRICA OF CONGO • KENYA • SWEDEN • ECUADOR • LIBERIA • SWITZERLAND • GUATEMALA • MADAGASCAR • UK • HAITI • MYANMAR* • INDONESIA • PAPUA NEW GUINEA Other MAF • LESOTHO • OFFICES • MALI • TANZANIA • MEXICO • TIMOR-LESTE • CANADA • MOZAMBIQUE • UGANDA • US • SURINAME *IN DEVELOPMENT

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 6 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 7 Working to help “ Covid-19 isolated people is one locked down to slow the spread Covid-19 of MAF’s key purposes of Covid-19. Budgets were swiftly for existence. It is re-worked for the year and measures put in place to ensure staff could why our MAF planes work safely, whether on site or from home depending on their role and and personnel are location. As borders closed and international flights were cancelled currently in countries by many airlines, our staff around the like Timor-Leste despite world experienced the difficulty of spending longer than expected in Covid-19 restrictions. A Covid-19 response flight in Liberia. programme and the uncertainty of Credit: Steven Biggs when they would be able to return Partnering with home, or take out-of-country breaks. In 2020 the Covid-19 pandemic organisations like spread across the world causing In a number of MAF programmes we disruption to normal life and ways of were able to carry out flights assisting Oxfam who have the working. The challenges brought by medical teams, the government and networks, information the pandemic were felt throughout NGOs with testing and education for MAF as our staff dealt with rapidly isolated communities. One of the resources and the changing situations, lockdowns, first flights we did was in Liberia on new regulations for flights, and 28 March, taking a medical team to equipment to promote much more. MAF flights, though Zwedru to test a patient with limited, were able to continue in suspected Covid-19. Without the health and good many locations and we had the one hour flight they would have hygiene is what MAF privilege of being able to serve the had a 40 hour road trip to reach countries we work in by providing the patient and carry out the test. loves to do. flights for medical teams, essential ” freight, and Covid-19 test kits. In Timor-Leste, the region of Oecusse was cut off from the rest Andrew MacDonald, In March and April we saw a Pilot, Timor-Leste significant drop in flight requests in Nawi Mabo disinfects the aircraft in PNG following programmes as governments CONTINUED a medevac. Credit: Mandy Glass.

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 8 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 9 Covid-19

of the country as the border with As governments put measures Indonesia closed and the sea ferries in place to slow the spread of stopped running. MAF, working with Covid-19, the work needed to Oxfam, was able to ensure that the prepare an aircraft for each flight people of Oecusse were not increased. Additional cleaning and forgotten by flying hand washing kits, STATS infection control procedures were soap and posters for 14,350 implemented in MAF programmes. households, providing vital sanitation The engineering team in Mareeba, supplies and education on Covid-19. 89 Australia, developed crew screens to Flights separate the pilot and passengers on MAF aircraft. Once the designs were km approved, the screens were 51,038 manufactured and distributed flown to programmes.

13,041 kg Mareeba’s crew screen in use in the aircraft. Credit: Ed Hawthorn by generous MAF supporters to our While our operational income fell Satish Moka receives donated masks in PNG. Freight flown teams in Arnhem Land and Papua due to restrictions in our flying, our Credit: Mandy Glass Technology Services, PNG, keeps communities New Guinea. With requirements for faithful MAF supporters continued to informed. Credit: Joy Suarkia all passengers to wear face masks in give to the organisation in these 213.9 PNG and the needs of a local health unprecedented circumstances. We In Papua New Guinea high hours flown partner in Arnhem Land, these masks are thankful to God and incredibly “God has placed MAF here in Liberia frequency (HF) radio was used by were put straight to use. grateful for their support as it means our Technology Services team to we can continue to serve our 361 Testing Mareeba’s face shield. Credit: Phil Snell for just such a reason. I feel so educate, reassure and provide clarity passengers Throughout 2020 our teams beneficiaries and the remote people to dozens of communities that have Flown responded to rapidly changing of the world. privileged to be here.” no access to the internet or printed The Mareeba engineers were also situations and continued to work - Steven Biggs, Pilot, Liberia press, but who were hearing contacted by their local hospital to with governments, partners and With Covid-19 still impacting the rumours of the devastation caused make a shield to help protect staff customers to reach isolated people. countries where we work into 2021, by Covid-19 globally. In April the from infection. Within a day they In many locations repatriation and MAF continues to serve isolated team hosted a live talk-back had the first prototype ready for medical evacuation flights were people in challenging circumstances. broadcast via their HF radio service, testing by the doctors and, after a greatly needed as ground transport enabling Dr James Gahare to answer few modifications, the shield was wasn’t available or allowed but questions from health workers within made for the hospital. customers still needed to reach cities the remote communities. for repatriation flights or medical help. Donations of facemasks were made

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 10 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 11 “Yesterday we were in the other Medical & Health community close For some who live in communities with UNICEF to transport over a Medical & Health cut off from any kind of infrastructure, tonne of vaccines to remote to Tana County reliable medical care is but a dream. communities in the Melaky region. A MAF flight can bring hope in the 439kg were delivered to Marolambo. and today we’re in form of medical staff, vaccinations It would have taken four days on a and vital medicines. Isolated people motorbike to get there from the Marsabit! That’s wait for the plane, knowing that it capital – by truck it is impossible and brings supplies that will protect their so MAF is often the only way to a huge distance! babies from highly contagious transport cargo in or out of this MAF can navigate illnesses like measles - the town. A load of 868kg made its way coronavirus vaccine joining a long list to Ambatomainty, offloading onto through this desert of immunisations that need to find the waiting oxcart – a stark contrast their way to their remote village. to western medical and logistical with a lot of ease, transport!

it’s a worthy Despite the pandemic, our medical partnership that safaris in Tanzania were largely able to continue. Lukas Schmidt who enables us to accompanied Kirstein Combrink on the South Maasai Safari describes his continue touching first impressions: “I remember the ladies were singing as they were the lives of arriving. I think they do that every time, and that is something that has people in remote stayed with me. Generally, for all the safaris, it’s really impressive to see all communities.” Aircraft fully loaded with vaccines in Madagascar. Credit: Ian Purdey those women arriving at the airstrips, coming a long way with their Every year approximately 1 million children to benefit from the service Bennard Osinde, children are born in Madagascar, all being offered.” Lukas also had the Missions of Hope, Kenya of whom need vital immunisations to opportunity to experience the increase their chances of surviving childhood. In June, MAF partnered CONTINUED

Missions of Hope nutritionist, Maureen Kendi, disembarks from the aircraft in Kargi, northern Kenya. Credit: Jenny Davies

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 12 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 13 Medical & Health

Haydom Medical Safari, travelling were complicated, MAF agreed to to eight villages to the south west these challenges because of the of Arusha. On this trip, in the village desperate plight of the women. of Gorimba alone the team of four nurses examined 126 pregnant Pilot Andrew Parker explains, women, dispensed 585 vaccines STATS “A visiting team of European doctors to children and performed 223 infant came to Panzi Foundation in Bukavu health checks! and these ladies came from deep in 1,572 the jungle.” On arrival, Andrew was In Bangladesh, the Samhati health Flights able to meet with Nobel Prize centre in Katakhali is staffed by a winner, Dr. Mukwege, also the doctor and an assistant. It provides founder of the Panzi Hospital and medical services to Katakhali and 189 Foundation. “Dr. Mukwege expressed the island’s entire population of his thanks for MAF and was really destinations 27,000 which otherwise would appreciative that we were willing to have no medical care. “Samhati is fly these ladies to the hospital. He very grateful for the service that 130 expressed his hope that the MAF provides”, says Monica Bose. relationship with MAF would Patients are treated at the CURE clinic at Kargi hospital, Kenya. Credit: Jenny Davies “Previously two of our missions to CUSTOMERS continue, as this was the first flight Barobaishdia Island were cancelled FLOWN bringing women to the hospital who due to political unrest and live remotely. The women had and treating all manner of conditions. transportation shutdowns, which walked for days or taken motorbike Health Manager, Bennard Osinde Passengers ready to board in Lodja, eastern DRC. 2,238 “What MAF provides is incredible. It Credit: Andrew Parker affected the ferries that go to the taxis to get to the airfields in Gemena explains, “Yesterday we were in the islands. Because of MAF we are hours flown and Lodja.” Thirteen women made other community close to Tana helps sustain some of us who are in now able to go at least every year the journey and it was a humbling County and today we’re in Marsabit! to the Samhati-supported projects 4,730 part for MAF to play, supporting Dr. That’s a huge distance! MAF can the humanitarian field.” in Katakhali Village, Barobaishdia passengers Mukwege’s vision of restoring navigate through this desert with a - Dr. Jacob Atem, Southern Sudan Island.” Flown women’s dignity and bringing some lot of ease, it’s a worthy partnership Healthcare Organization (SSHCO) kind of healing to the ordeals they that enables us to continue touching In September, MAF Uganda was have lived through. the lives of people in remote asked to assist with flying women communities.” Across the two who had been victims of horrific In October the CURE medical safari, locations, 77 patients were seen, violation crimes to Panzi hospital in in partnership with Missions of Hope, and life changing surgeries are in eastern DRC, which is dedicated to made its way to two communities in the future for at least 15, many of helping victims of rape and domestic northern Kenya – the partnership whom are children. violence. Even though the planning with MAF enables them to cover and logistics amidst the pandemic more ground, assessing, diagnosing

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 14 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 15 Training

Venter, were able to do their check thorough debrief. With the help of Training pilot training virtually using the PNG the external instructors, the aim is to Redbird Simulator. One of their improve the check pilot’s abilities to instructors, MAFI Fleet Training assess our line pilots within MAF’s Manager Volkher Jacobson, was standard operating procedures. quarantining in a Brisbane hotel. The other instructor, Aviation Director William Nicol, was based in New Zealand. All three pilots are very There are more than 110 pilots, The simulator’s commemorative plaque. Credit: Katherine Williams experienced trainers. During this maintenance technicians and course they were able to simulate engineers in MAFI, all of whom need In February, MAF dedicated its new training sessions and each play STATS to stay current in their training. advanced Redbird flight simulator to various roles, practising normal service in Mareeba in memory of upper airwork checks with Larry Heintz for his contribution to emergencies and scripted role play. aviation safety over a 28-year MAF As with the rest of the world, we career, and to his aunt Eva Shaver, adjusted to travel restrictions and who left the bulk of her estate to lockdowns, meaning that more of “The world is MAF. This simulator will allow our training went online. In April, students to practice and train in a Stewart Ayling in Tanzania was able safe environment, as well as renew to conduct a dangerous goods evolving; we their skills. refresher course for the team in Chad, through the power of MS have to keep We were incredibly grateful for the Teams. “We were able to complete use of our simulators and other bi-annual refresher training as well as technologies for keeping our pilots initial dangerous goods awareness staff right Pilots’ fire training exercise, PNG. trained and up to date, especially Credit: Mandy Glass training, keeping the MAF Chad team when travel restrictions and compliant with the Civil Aviation on top of grounded aircraft presented As in a normal training environment, Authority regulations.” says Stewart. challenges for in-person training. they started with a pre-flight briefing “We were also able to discuss and training.” and then performed the flight in the address immediate challenges for In August, PNG caravan pilots simulator, treating it as a real aircraft the team such as how to carry Mathias Glass, Arjan Paas and Brad and finishing off the exercise with a Covid-19 test samples safely.” Nawi Mabo, Ground Operations Training Kori Shinn and Bridget Ingham in the new Redbird simulator in Mareeba. Coordinator, PNG Credit: Tablelander Newspaper

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 16 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 17 “I prayed Evangelism & Church

to God MAF’s support of churches, someone to explain this Gospel to us!” Evangelism & Church evangelists and is a His prayer was answered. yesterday direct outworking of our vision and purpose – seeing spiritual The missionaries are based in transformation and sharing God’s Gapuwiyak, where MAF has asking love through aviation and partnered with them by assisting with technology. Seeing individuals meet housing and supplying audio-bibles him to with God because MAF has been to the community. Eroni, a Pioneers able to transport His messengers into , told us ”The flying that remote locations is a joy to us! MAF does for us, we couldn’t have send us asked for more, and now MAF has Sometimes these encounters are supplied to us these audio-Bibles someone unplanned, but total answers to that help us with our ministry. I think prayer. One wet afternoon in this partnership is what God wants us Arnhem Land pilot Uli Muller was to have – for us to do more work on to explain transporting a family of Pioneers the ground and MAF to do more missionaries. The weather began work flying up in the sky and this Gospel to deteriorate so he landed at transporting people.” Nyinyikay to wait for safe weather. to us!” Uli was invited by some local Yolngu to stop for a chat but he had to carry out some other tasks and secure the aircraft so instead he sent Yolngu elder, his passengers. Arnhem Land A while after the weather improved Uli was expecting his passengers to return but there was no sign of them. He walked to the homeland and to his surprise he now saw a gathering TT-BRT at a remote airstrip in Chad. of people! The elder from the Credit: Phil Henderson homeland said to him “I prayed to God yesterday asking him to send us CONTINUED

A Yolngu woman with her Bible. Credit: Divyan Ahimaz

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 18 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 19 Evangelism & Church

In October MAF flew 900kgs of his team have been seeing new radios in South Sudan for Every believers show great boldness: Village. The boxes contained 5,000 “We’ve been seeing people come high quality solar-powered radio to the Lord, and not only that, but receivers which operate for years in they’re not ashamed to say it to remote areas without the need for STATS others. They’re publicly passing their batteries. Every Village staff member, faith to others, and the Lord is really Joseph Njuguna, is passionate about blessing that. It’s a really exciting time.” sharing the gospel over the airwaves 1,941 with people in some of the most Flights remote and inaccessible communities in South Sudan. “We are very thankful for your work and 197 ministry,” Joseph shares. “Without destinations MAF it would be very hard for us to serve here.” 314 In N’Djamena, Chad, Andrew leads a Translating the Bible in Madagascar. Credit: Bev Erasmus team who are spread across several CUSTOMERS A Bible translation team in Madasgascar. locations in the country. We flew him FLOWN Credit: Bev Erasmus in February as he made a trip to In December, MAF was able to catch up with his colleagues – a trip In Madagascar MAF has enjoyed transport Bev and her colleague to Solar powered radio receivers arrive in Mvolo, South Sudan. he simply wouldn’t have been able to 3,222 a long partnership with Bible the north-east of the country to visit “We are so thankful for the service Credit: Daniel Gill make if it weren’t for MAF; “I really hours flown translation organisation, Wycliffe. the translation teams there. “We MAF provides to missionaries all appreciate this opportunity with this Bible translation consultant, Bev delivered laptops, projectors, printers flight, to get out and back in a span 4,666 Erasmus, says “MAF has been a close and smartphones to each team and over the world; we are inspired and of just 48 hours; being able to see passengers ally since the very beginning, and we trained them on the software used encouraged by you!” everybody on the team, get in their Flown have benefited from just about every for Bible translation and homes, and hear what’s going on. aspect of their ministry, including communications. We set them up - John, Chad This has just been fantastic.” technical advice (MAF provided our on Zoom and Skype and have now first internet connection before it been able to continue the training The nomadic outreach that his team was widely available), flights to and remotely.” – something of a blessing are doing is having an eternal impact. from hard-to-reach places, and during Covid times! When people come to faith from a facilitating collaboration between background of Islam it can be risky various mission partners. We have for themselves and their families, really appreciated MAF’s leadership and yet in recent years Andrew and and innovation over the years.”

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 20 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 21 “The roads are Relief & Development

so bad in the When the Uganda programme was Relief & Development grounded for six months due to a rainy season national lockdown, many NGOs were no longer able to easily reach the remote communities where they they turn to work. Jesse Kamstra, Director of Lutheran World Federation (LWF), rivers due to was especially pleased that we were back in the air and boarded our first poor drainage. flight in September. LWF contributes to community development in Ugandan roads in the rainy season. Uganda with programmes Credit: Jesse Kamstra I’d rather do addressing internally displaced people, returnee integration, Jesse continues, “It’s great that MAF sustainable livelihoods, community was able to resume flights as I have them with a empowerment, human rights, had to do several of these five-day malaria and HIV and AIDS. Jesse trips over the last six months when snorkel thAn went to the north to inspect four MAF wasn’t flying.” LWF offices’ response and drive by car!” preparedness for Covid-19. In Kenya, MAF continued its support of LEDO (Lokichoggio Emuriakin ‘On previous occasions it would take Development Organization), assisting five days to do the same inspection staff who needed to travel home as Jesse Kamstra, trip instead of the two days it took the country shut down in March, and Lutheran World this time, with MAF dropping me off later flying staff who had stayed in Adjumani airstrip on Wednesday throughout the pandemic. “There Federation, Uganda and then collecting me on Friday in was a point to us staying,” says Pader. It takes 16 hours return trip by Thorkild Jorgensen who, at first, had road, but the roads are so bad in the wondered if there would be anything rainy season they turn to rivers due for them to do with their schools and to poor drainage. I’d rather do them with a snorkel than drive by car!” CONTINUED

MAF pilot, Greg Vine, with LWF Uganda Country Director, Jesse Kamstra. Credit: Dave Forney

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 22 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 23 Relief & Development

churches being closed. “There were Bikram Rai, Samaritan’s Purse a lot of things at the school that International Relief’s Senior needed repair and the practical work Operations Manager, was delighted has kept the teachers busy!” This that MAF and Samaritan’s Purse practical work ensured that teaching could work together. “It is all by our staff still had an income. The school STATS God’s grace that he provided MAF also started a feeding programme, to reach out to His people in this handing out food parcels each pandemic. These days, people are Saturday to 100 vulnerable children. 5,249 dying, not because of coronavirus As the needs increased, they started Flights but because of having no food and distributing food to another group supplies. With MAF flights, we could of 150 vulnerable adults. drop 21.5 metric tonnes of supplies 314 to different places.” After months of hard work, Thorkild destinations and his wife, Charlotte, were able to In Timor-Leste we transported staff leave with MAF for a much needed from Caritas Australia to Oecusse to break. “We were so thankful to go - 359 monitor the projects there. Caritas MAF was our only option!” Australia implements food security MAF staff load the aircraft with supplies for Samaritan’s Purse, South Sudan. Credit: Jenny Davies CUSTOMERS projects and better livelihood MAF was pleased to come to the FLOWN opportunities to improve household Children assisted by LEDO, Kenya. Credit: Thorkild Jorgensen aid of Samaritan’s Purse in South planning and improving access to access transport to the enclave Sudan, who usually operate their basic services. With the funds from in Oecusse. My colleagues and own aircraft from Uganda but were 6,100 Caritas Australia and local partner, I consider us lucky for having restricted due to Covid-19. MAF hours flown BANO, they established a clean water access to MAF flights during times carried out almost 200 hours of project. This project benefited a total of urgency.” “Our partnership with MAF helps us flying over May and June, taking 19,616 of 111 households who previously amplify our impact by getting us to building supplies and other cargo passengers had to walk at least 2km to reach the to isolated communities. Samaritan’s Flown clean water well. They now only where we need to be when we need Purse’s work includes WASH (water, have to walk 300 metres and the to be there.” sanitation and hygiene), food security stable water supply has helped the - Deepak Khadka, and nutrition programmes targeting agricultural group, providing water populations in six locations across The Caritas Australia team in Timor-Leste. for crops. Programme Manager, Country Director iDE, Bangladesh Credit: Bridget Ingham South Sudan. MAF pilot, Alistair Helder Teixerira says, “During the Youren says “Humanitarian projects incomes and community resilience. Covid-19 pandemic the Timor-Leste around Mayendit would quickly Projects include horticulture and government imposed a state of grind to a halt without air transport, livestock trainings, savings and loans emergency which made it difficult everything they need must be flown in.” activities, disaster risk management for staff from Caritas Australia to

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 24 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 25 “Some Airstrips

communities met Safe rural airstrips are vital to the airstrip just outside the town and Airstrips success of MAF’s ministry; without asked MAF Chad to assess it and see us with dancing them our aircraft cannot reach the if it could be reopened – which they 100 airstrips assessed remote communities we serve. did. The mission leader said “What A working airstrip also provides does this airstrip and MAF Chad and reopened in Papua and crying - so missionaries and aid workers the mean to us and our ministry team? STATS New Guinea reassurance they need in order to It means we can recruit and place happy to have remain in these isolated areas. people with confidence in this remote location… It means we can move forward with this ministry team seen a plane and the goal of sharing the gospel to those who have never heard, and Lailenpi airstrip, land after by God’s grace see an indigenous church birthed amongst this Myanmar, 85% completed more than people group.” STATS by the end of 2020 Of course, it is not enough for two months airstrips to exist, they must be maintained in order for our aircraft and development opportunities they to land safely. Our team in PNG have never had before. The airstrip without.” Villagers pose with the aircraft in PNG. Credit: Brad Venter embarked on a safety review of more was 38% complete at the start of than 200 airstrips, methodically 2020, and despite logistical In Chad this year we were able to surveying each one to ensure they challenges as a result of the Glenys Watson, partner with a mission organisation measure up to the MAF standard. pandemic, it finished the year MAF PNG Pilot on to reopen an airstrip in a town they Without regular reviews the length at 85% completion. were looking to reach. When God and width of an airstrip can be the reopening of an opened a door to minister there, they reduced due to jungle growth. airstrip rejoiced, but it quickly became apparent that it would be difficult to Meanwhile in Myanmar, construction recruit a ministry team to a place continued on the Lailenpi airstrip in where there was little infrastructure. Chin State. Built at the request of the local population, it will link the They discovered there was a disused Lailenpi community to healthcare

An airstrip survey is conducted in PNG. Credit: Corné Noordhoek

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 26 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 27 “For people Medical Evacuations

living in In 2020 MAF International carried out family members and a medical Medical Evacuations 558 medical evacuation flights in 10 professional for the forty-minute remote countries. This vital service connects flight to Dili. On arrival Lino was isolated communities to health care transferred to the local ambulance facilities, enabling people to receive which was waiting at the MAF hangar communities treatment quickly when needed. to take him to the hospital.

like Los Palos, MAF supports the Ministry of Health in Timor-Leste by providing medevacs. In 2020 63% of our MAF really flying in the country was for medical can mean the evacuations. In January a fisherman was bitten by a crocodile and his local hospital difference in Baucau called MAF to carry out a medevac flight to the national between life hospital in Dili. Nineteen-year-old Lino is transferred to the ambulance, Lino was working on his boat when Timor-Leste. Credit: Jason Job and death.” the crocodile attacked. Because the sea was dirty from the heavy rains, Medical evacuations are necessary Lino didn’t see the crocodile for people of all ages, including approach. He was bitten on the leg children. In 2020 MAF carried out Bridget Ingham, but managed to escape greater medevacs for children in Timor- Pilot, Timor-Leste injury by moving out of the water Leste suffering from a range of and onto the sand. Thankfully the conditions including bronchitis, crocodile didn’t follow him, which malnutrition, diarrhoea and most likely saved his life and leg. A meningitis. Flying with MAF instead nearby friend was able to telephone of taking the road means that his brother to come and help take patients and families don’t have to Lino to hospital.

Pilot Jason Job picked up Lino, two CONTINUED

Two children are medevaced to Dili in Timor-Leste. Credit: Mark Hewes

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 28 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 29 Medical Evacuations

endure hours of slow, bumpy travel during very distressing times.

In Timor-Leste the team give each medevac patient a care pack containing toiletries, some food, STATS scripture in the local language and craft materials for the children. Many patients arrive with nothing 429 and these packs can help provide medevac flights some of the necessities for their The Wintermantel family. Credit: Chris Ball stay in hospital. 56 Elsewhere, medevacs provide the infrastructure is poor and quality destinations reassurance of access to medical medical care is lacking, what do you Imelda Pereira and Kim Job with care packs for medevac patients. Credit: Mark Hewes care that can be taken for granted in do in an emergency? This was the wealthier countries. When MAF 43 precisely what the Wintermantel was called to a remote homeland in family faced in Torit, South Sudan. Glenys Watson with medical staff and the baby born in the air. Credit: Brad Venter Arnhem Land to assist with CUSTOMERS When their 17 year-old daughter evacuating a four-month-old baby, FLOWN Hazel was visiting from boarding “If these babies had not been medevaced the pilot didn’t know what to expect. school she never imagined that she beginning. In February MAF pilot, as quickly as they were, they both However, upon arrival at the airstrip would need an emergency flight Glenys Watson, was called to a he was greeted with smiles from the 424 for surgery. But when she woke in medevac in Papua New Guinea. A “A two hour [medical] transfer by would have certainly died.” passengers. The baby had been hours flown the night with a stabbing pain in her woman had been labouring for two MAF is much safer than 30 plus hours days and was having difficulty. With - Eddie Andersen, running a high fever for a number of right side, it became obvious that on the road.” Africa Inland Church, Kenya days, causing the mother to worry. 1,820 appendicitis was the likely cause. the three passengers secured and a Thankfully the fever had begun to medevac Within hours they were being prayer for strength for this mama, - HVM (Good News Hospital), recede after the call for assistance passengers transported to where Hazel had Glenys took off heading for Goroka. Madagascar had been made, but a flight from this an appendectomy – something that However, within five minutes of remote location to Gove for a couldn’t have happened in Torit and being airborne Glenys heard the thorough check-up provided the when time is of the essence. distinct cry of a new baby, finally arrival of this little one and being able peace of mind that all mothers need. born in the back of the aircraft in the to play a small part in it,” says Glenys. Sometimes our medevacs are vital skies above the Eastern Highlands “I certainly won’t forget the time I This peace of mind is exactly what when people are potentially facing Province. They continued on their took off with three passengers and missionaries need when they decide the end of their lives. But occasionally, journey, landing in Goroka where landed with four!”. whether to relocate their families to we have the privilege of witnessing the mother and child were taken isolated places. In regions where the miracle of life right at the very to hospital. “I praise God for the safe

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 30 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 31 “Other Education

schools have and their families from the Gäwa Education Christian School. This incredible closed due opportunity has allowed students to build a richer understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous to lack of cultures through shared experiences. Principle of Nhulunbuy Christian food, so it College, Tanya Van Seters says “We have seen the lives of our students transformed and greatly impacted by was great their time in the Gäwa homeland. As they have immersed themselves in Exchange students in Arnhem Land. that MAF Credit: Nhulunbuy Christian College the community and culture of Gäwa, students have experienced the love When Covid-19 caused the of Jesus in new and profound ways.” could lockdown of schools in 2020, fair access to education for all became She says of MAF, “MAF Arnhem Land help us.” a hot topic, driving home the fact plays a vital role in the community. that, for many whom we serve, For me, when we are taking a group access to education is not a given. of precious students to one of the Glenda Giles, MAF’s education flights play a vital most remote parts of Australia, we role in providing education in have not wanted to compromise on Oksapmin Secondary isolated communities – through safety. MAF Arnhem Land is the School, PNG flying teachers, students and supplies obvious choice for us to fly with as – meaning that many children are a college, as I trust their knowledge, given a better start in life. expertise, safety, pilots and genuine heart to serve.” In September, MAF supported a cultural exchange in Arnhem Land, In October, MAF Madagascar was flying students from the largely non-indigenous Nhulunbuy Christian CONTINUED College to experience living and learning from Yolngu elders, students

Exchange students in front of an aircraft in Arnhem Land. Credit: Divyan Ahimaz

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 32 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 33 Education

entrusted with the task of transporting top secret baccalauréat exam papers. Taking off from MAF’s base in the capital, pilot Ian Purdey’s first stop was to pick up the boxes of papers and a team of officials, the STATS heads of the local exam centres who will manage the overall running of the exams in schools. “We had a 943 Sealed exam papers, Madagascar. Credit: Ian Purdey dozen or so boxes of exam papers,” Flights says Ian, “with a wax seal on and Building materials for Mougulu High School, PNG. white strapping, to prevent a sneak Credit: Ryan Cole peek at the questions, I guess!” This 118 is not the first time MAF has been lack of food, so it was great that MAF destinations involved in transporting exam could help us.” papers; for several years we have supported schools in and around 82 MAF continued to support Mougulu Marolambo, a region to the south High School, a school that was A student at the trauma healing course in Moropote, PNG. Credit: Harriëtte Knigge east of the capital so poorly served CUSTOMERS established and opened in early by roads that it can take three days FLOWN 2020 and is expanding in answer to to reach there in a vehicle. the local needs. In October we flew wounds of the heart and grief are, roofing iron to cover staff housing how we can help others, forgiveness, Of course, students need much 946 and dormitories, providing secure and what God says about it all – “I trust MAF’s knowledge, more than academic papers for their hours flown housing to staff and pupils so that topics that are so very relevant in an Breakfast buns for Oksapmin school children, PNG. expertise, safety, pilots and Credit: Glenda Giles school experience! In Papua New education can take place - an area where many do not have access Guinea, MAF flew 600kg of rice and 3,471 investment that will pay dividends for to healthcare or professional help for genuine heart to serve.” 120kg of flour to Tekin. This was to passengers the next generation. psychological needs. About 40-45 - Tanya van Seters, Nhulunbuy feed the 300 boarding students at Flown students, both men and women, Christian College, Arnhem Land the Oksapmin Secondary School Of course, education comes in many attended the course and in between there. Glenda Giles, a teacher at the forms and it is often adults that lessons Harriëtte sold audio Bibles, school, writes: “It was hard to find benefit as well as children. At the Tok Pisin Bibles, reading glasses and the house. We have now been out of enough kaukau (sweet potatoes). beginning of March Harriëtte Knigge, Jesus DVDs from the Bible Box the Netherlands and part of MAF for Flour means we can bake buns for wife of MAF PNG pilot Wilfred, provided by MAF Technologies PNG. over three years, and for the first time breakfast and rice takes the pressure accompanied Caroline Walde, who Harriëtte reflected on the course and abroad I felt it from my toes: Yes, I off the amount of kaukau needed. works for the Liebenzell Mission, to the impact that it had on her: “I enjoy was made for this!” Other schools have closed due to Moropote to deliver a trauma healing training and it was wonderful for me course. The course explained what to be able to use my gifts outside of

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 34 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 35 “I would often reassure myself that Engineering Although the global pandemic engine was overhauled and then Engineering MAF engineer, limited how much our aircraft could reinstalled, and an overhauled be in the air in 2020, our engineers propeller was fitted to give it a new MAF International has 38 Mark, was certainly made the most of having lease of life. Time was taken on the engineers, including avionics aircraft in the hangar, working on interior with a new headlining specialists, maintenance routine maintenance as well as installed and new wooden STATS on the job. entire overhauls, engine changes floorboards to refresh the entire specialists and engineers. and repaints. passenger cabin. The instrument panels were removed, stripped and He would then powder coated to give them a routine maintenance and with longer life. Avionics systems were restrictions in place this became never let us updated to the latest software in difficult. Still, our staff persevered, preparation for the return to service enduring quarantines and finding in Kenya.” creative, safe solutions even where on a plane it may have taken longer than we MAF’s engineering apprentice, would have liked. that wasn’t Annamarie van der Meijden described watching EST taking off We were also thrilled to see the properly from . “Seeing EST take off progress of our new hangar facility 5Y-EST in the MAF Uganda hangar. and ‘wave’ farewell with wings in Liberia, which was opened in Credit: Kees Barendse rocking on ascent after such November with the aircraft, 5X-SCO, serviced or Our Uganda team spent four months extensive work was so exciting and moving in. Project Manager, Maarten carrying out extensive work on so rewarding to see after the number Temminck says, “I’d like to thank safe.” 5Y-EST. Avionics Engineer, Dave of hours everyone has put in; such a everyone who has contributed to Waterman describes this in more beautiful and well-loved aircraft make this project possible, through detail: “Back in April, after a limited finally taking to the skies again, ready finances, prayer or their work. We Sara Sheppard, number of us were allowed back to to continue the work of MAF.” give thanks to God for this new missionary, Liberia the hangar, work continued with the hangar – as there have been many reassembly of the aircraft. During our Covid did present some engineering things happening during the project inspections, we found some damage challenges, however. Some that were well outside our control, to the cargo pod so that was stripped programmes are reliant upon yet we’ve come this far!” back to the composite structure, engineers travelling into the country repaired and painted fresh. The from other programmes to perform

Engineering apprentice, Annamarie van der Meijden, working on the Cessna caravan in Uganda. Credit: Dave Forney

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 36 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 37 Share your story

Our amazing staff are lifeline to the people here in PNG What excites me the most is seeing crucial to MAF operations by providing air services. It is a the difference we make to the wonderful thing to be within this communities we fly to.“ “MAF was the first plane we saw “Anna and I feel extremely privileged organisation and be a part of Jan Ivar Andresen, Pilot, PNG when I was a kid.” and blessed that God has called us to providing an essential service.“ Kenya to take the gospel to the ends Nawi Mabo, Ground Operations “My village is in a remote area, so - Felix Kenny, Property and Vehicle of the earth.“ Training Coordinator, PNG MAF was the first plane we saw Maintenance Manager, PNG Ryan Cuthel, Country Director, when I was a kid. There were no Kenya other planes; MAF was the only transportation in my area. Now, “I organise all of the major working with MAF is a blessing and inspections and overhauls for turbine “I love my job because I love assisting Amber Joy Mori, PNG. Credit: Mandy Glass people. I love seeing myself helping I’m really happy to be here with MAF.“ engines. I especially like to work out with check in, loading and making Felix Kenny, Property and Vehicle creative ways to manage our engines sure that all passengers on-board “One of the things I like about MAF is Maintenance Manager, PNG so that we can save money and at use the seat belt correctly, and that they always try to put people first. In the same time keep our high one or two are able to operate the this pandemic, I know a lot of people standards of safety. I do love door in case of emergency.“ in the aviation industry have lost their travelling from programme to James Kuma, Logistics and jobs. MAF has a value of putting programme and training engineers Technical Assistant, Liberia people over profit and that is and helping out wherever needed. James Kuma, Liberia. Credit: Steven Biggs something that I am grateful for.“ Transferring to our young engineers “I loved living in in Kenya and South Amber Joy Mori, Aircraft some of the knowledge I have Africa, and working in South Sudan. Maintenance Engineer, PNG gained after 45 years in the business Some of the best people I’ve met in Nawi Mabo, PNG. Credit: Mandy Glass is important.“ “I want my faith to not just be Charlotte Chan and some of the South Sudan Larry Nicholson, MAFI Turbine “I love my job because I love my life have been through the work team. Credit: Charlotte Chan that I’ve done with MAF. Knowing “This little talent God has given me something that happens in my head Engine Specialist, based in Uganda assisting people” that you’ve achieved something at has been used to do greater things. and on a Sunday. I want my faith to “When I saw the dedication and - James Kuma, Logistics and the end of the day is great.“ I didn’t dream of becoming a have practical impact on other professionalism of our pilots and Technical Assistant, Liberia Stu Fitch, Acting Aviation Director manager one day and here I am. people. I’m called to love like Jesus ground staff, I was moved; it was a I thank God for using people like loved, so I’m trying to fulfil that familiar voice of calling home to be “I serve with MAF because I have Todd [MAF PNG Country Director] to calling by doing what I’m doing now in fellowship with believers in Christ, seen both physical and spiritual encourage me. He inspires me and with MAF. The flying bit is not the a sense that this was home.” changes in the lives of people. others as well.“ most important thing for me, I was a Charlotte Chan, Deputy Country I would say that MAF really is a Lydia Yomba, Quality Manager, PNG pilot in Norway for almost 30 years. Director, South Sudan

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 38 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 39 Madagascar Non-flying Programmes Flying Programmes Hours Flown 490 Passengers transported 1,290 Technology Services PNG Arnhem Land Distance flown (km)111,389 Pastors trained in basic Hours Flown 2,831 computer skills Cargo transported (kg) 21,916 Programme Statistics Passengers transported 9,977 60 Distance flown (km)484,913 Papua New Guinea HF radio calls received Cargo transported (kg) 12,739 Hours Flown 2,637 1220 Passengers transported 14,264 Bangladesh Distance flown (km)539,221 STAFF Bibles distributed Hours Flown 138 5106 Cargo transported (kg) 815,895 Arnhem Land Myanmar Passengers transported 319 Local 6 Local 1 Distance flown (km)29,434 South Sudan International 16 International 1 Audio bibles distributed Cargo transported (kg) 0 Hours Flown 1,628 3315 Passengers transported 4,595 Bangladesh Papua New Local 20 Guinea Chad Distance flown (km)399,237 International 3 Local 86 Medical evacuations arranged Cargo transported (kg) 173,905 248 Hours Flown 366 International 32 Passengers transported 461 Chad Tanzania Local 13 South Sudan Distance flown (km)80,934 Hours Flown 253 International 3 Local 32 Myanmar Cargo transported (kg) 5,282 Passengers transported 618 International 15 Airstrip completion Distance flown (km)44,715 Guinea 85% Kenya Cargo transported (kg) 901 Local 0 Tanzania Hours Flown 511 International 1 Local 3 Timor-Leste International 3 Tonnes of earth and rock Passengers transported 933 Hours Flown 486 Kenya moved Distance flown (km)118,821 Local 20 Technology 633,000 Cargo transported (kg) 10,505 Passengers transported 1,544 International 8 Services Distance flown (km)82,581 PNG Liberia Cargo transported (kg) 2,827 Liberia Local 23 Tonnes peak daily rate Local 4 International 2 9,200 Hours Flown 370 Uganda International 2 Passengers transported 1,624 Hours Flown 1,043 Timor-Leste Construction vehicles utilised Distance flown (km)92,526 Passengers transported 2,175 Madagascar Local 3 13 Cargo transported (kg) 16,098 Local 19 International 2 Distance flown (km)233,174 International 4 Cargo transported (kg) 36,717 Uganda Sticks of dynamite detonated “Without MAF, these people Local 49 12,500+ Children gather for a bible lesson on the Kilimatinde International 18 evangelistic and medical safari in Tanzania. wouldn’t have access to regular Credit: Lukas Schmid examinations and vaccines.” - Lukas Schmid, Pilot, Tanzania Total Programme Staff Local 279 International 110

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 40 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 41 4 Fleet Cessna 172 Financial Report In 2020 work continued on preparing a C208B for service in West Africa. 6 MAF International is funded primarily through our MAF resourcing groups from around the world. We deeply A new C208 was ordered for the PNG programme and will start serving Cessna 182 value our partnership with them and their supporters’ contribution to the ministry of MAF remains vital. the isolated people there in late 2021. We are grateful that throughout a challenging year, our aircraft have been able to continue bringing help, 8% hope and healing to those who need it most. 4 Income US$ % 19% Cessna 206 Flying activities 7,217,000 19% 4% 13 Other mission activities 1,605,000 4% Income Cessna 208 Donations and donated services 26,309,000 69% US$ Interest and other income 2,812,000 8% 14 37,943,000 100% 69% Cessna 206 Cessna 172 Cessna 208B Total Expenditure* US$ % 2 6% 1% Cessna 208 (amphibious) Flying and other mission activities 10,946,000 31% 21% 31% Staff costs (incl. costs of donated services) 14,192,000 41% 15 Other field expenses (incl. depreciation) 7,270,000 21% Expenditure GA8 Airvan US$ Cessna 208B Cessna 208 (Amphibious) Grants 2,075,000 6% 2 Raising funds 341,000 1% DHC-6-300 Total 34,824,000 100% 41% Twin Otter 2020 was an extraordinary year as the organisation responded to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Income from our flying activities fell significantly and difficult decisions were made to

manage our costs well. During the year, MAF supporters sacrificially gave towards the mission and line of against the relevant allocated *Support costs are with UK charity requirements. in accordance expenditure, so we ended the year with an unexpected surplus. This surplus will be used in future years so the organisation can continue to operate throughout the pandemic and be well prepared to respond to the needs of remote people long into the future. GA8 Airvan Cessna 182

MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 42 MAFI ANNUAL REPORT 2020 43 Annual Report 2020 MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL

Mission Aviation Fellowship International is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales Registered Charity Number: 1058226 Registered Company Number: 3144199

Registered Office: Operations Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8DH, UK

Coronavirus regulations vary across the world. MAF is committed to safety and adheres to local regulations wherever it serves. The images and people you see in these pages conform to the rules of the countries in which they were taken.

Front cover: 5X-LDR at Bukavu airport, eastern DRC. Credit: Jacob Steentoft