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“Increasing Humanitarian Access through Aviation”
Our Beginnings . . .
When in 1984, the world was moved to action by the famine in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, the idea for humanitarian aviation was born. Humanitarian agencies rushed to provide food, water, emergency medical care and shelter to the millions suffering in Ethiopia. The relief effort was hampered by conflict and fighting; the most vulnerable were impossible for relief workers to reach safely with poor or non-existent roads and the violence. Enter Air Serv International: a group of dedicated aviation visionaries who realized the power of small-craft aviation in expanding the reach of relief and assistance during natural disasters and crises.
Loosely defining runways as paved or un-paved roads, dry river beds or fields, Air Serv has safely and reliably increased the reach of humanitarian workers by providing aviation services including transportation of goods, services and relief workers, flying medical evacuations and repatriating displaced persons. With a nimble fleet of small aircraft – Twin Otters, Cessna Caravans, Beechcraft King Air, Embraer 120s – safe and suitable for take-off and landing on short runways (STOL), this non-profit organization has powered its way to some amazing statistics. In the last decade alone, more than 230,000 passengers and 1600 metric tons of supplies have reached their intended destination via Air Serv.
From our start in Ethiopia, Air Serv has performed vital flight operations in 36 countries across Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and Asia. Current ongoing operations are in Chad, Mozambique, Congo, Uganda and Iraq, where the first non-military flight was operated by Air Serv. We have partnered with major humanitarian agencies including World Vision, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and the Red Cross to fly in assistance and personnel.
Our Future . . .
During this time, the humanitarian industry has grown; operations are more complex and the needs of the vulnerable even greater. As demands for services continue to grow, Air Serv has begun a transformation from an organization fueled by passion alone to one fully committed to the increasing flight safety and service through technology, strategy and professionalization.
A 24-hour flight operations center is being installed in the Warrenton, Virginia headquarters, from which staff will be able to track and communicate with all aircraft via satellite. Planes are being outfitted with SkyTrac systems and Infosat communications equipment.
Beginning in 2009, Air Serv clients will be able to book a flight online. A custom designed, on-line reservation, booking and invoicing system will enable approved NGO clients to access services from any location. Field workers will be able to book flights, with paperwork and costs generated back to the headquarters agency, increasing security. The headquarters will be able to pull monthly service invoices and additional paperwork often needed for completion of donor transparency reports.
The final modification is the RAAS Maintenance Tracking Software. While all routine and major maintenance is performed according to FAA and manufacturer recommendations, the software will provide an additional means of comprehensive oversight. The software will ensure maximum efficiency of purchasing power or gifts-in-kind of equipment and stewardship of donor contributions.
With these improvements and continued donor support, Air Serv is positioning to be better able to move operations quickly when humanitarian response needs aviation services.
Our Commitment . . .
Air Serv is a signatory to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief.
We are a member of InterAction, Independent Charities of America and Do Unto Others (DUO).
For information about our fleet click here.
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