INCREASING HUMANITARIAN ACCESS THROUGH AVIATION
WHO WE ARE
Aid is not aid if it cannot get where it’s needed. During the Ethiopian famine of 1984, our visionary founders recognized the vital role air transport could play in delivering humanitarian aid to regions isolated by geography, lack of infrastructure, natural disasters, or instability and unrest. Since then, Air Serv has spent decades providing access to lifesaving assistance in some of the world’s most remote and insecure areas. As one of Africa’s most trusted humanitarian air service providers, Air Serv remains not only committed to delivering lifesaving mission support but also to strengthening the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry in the region. In 2022, Air Serv launched its Professional Development Program to help address the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals in eastern Africa. Designed to complement formal education, the program offers a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and one-on-one mentorship, equipping trainees with the practical experience and industry connections they need to succeed. This initiative reflects Air Serv’s broader mission: to expand access- not just to humanitarian aid, but also to opportunity. By investing in the next generation of pilots, engineers, and aviation support staff, the Professional Development Program helps ensure that the future of aviation in Africa is safer, stronger, and led by those who understand the unique challenges of the region. In building both skills and connections, Air Serv continues to live its motto: we are the bridge.
OUR AIRCRAFT FLEET
Ideal for reaching remote or underserved areas, Air Serv uses Cessna Caravans for their reliability, versatility, and ability to operate on short, unpaved airstrips. Their efficient fuel consumption and cargo capacity make these aircraft well-suited for humanitarian missions in challenging environments.
Engine Type
PT6A-114A Turbo Prop
RANGE (IN NAUTICAL MILES)
HORSEPOWER (HSP)
Cargo Equipped
Door & Pod
OUR FUTURE
In addition to our primary mission of providing safe transport, we have also focused on contributing to the improvement of aviation operations and flight safety as a whole in East Africa. 2015 saw the development of an Air Serv-developed database and software which will provide critical real time information to pilots, including weather conditions, runway conditions, and security threats. As demands for services increase, Air Serv has begun a transformation from an organization fueled by passion alone to one fully committed to the improvement of flight safety and service through technology, strategy and professionalization. With these improvements and continued donor support, we are positioning to be better able to move operations quickly when humanitarian response needs aviation services.
While the major portions of our resources are concentrated on mission support, we also take pride in the fact that we actively endeavor to contribute to the local economy in Entebbe, Uganda, where our operations headquarters is located. We believe that providing training and the opportunity to learn a trade such as pilot, mechanic, engineer, or logistician, gives our employees the chance to actively invest in their community and their future.
As transport needs for the humanitarian community continue to grow, we aim to increase our response capabilities. In the coming year, we aspire to expand the geographic reach of our humanitarian flight operations.