The world’s largest humanitarian air service has received a significant gift. Staff and friends of AFD Software participated in a live link from Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea to witness the arrival of a plane donated in honor of the company’s 40th anniversary.
The £2 million Cessna 208 Caravan light aircraft has been presented to the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). Built in the USA, this plane has been specially modified for landing on remote jungle grass strips. After flying across the Pacific for final preparations and pilot training in Australia, P2-AFD was loaded with cargo and equipment for the last five hours of its lengthy delivery journey.
Upon arrival, the fire brigade at Mount Hagen airport organized a special salute, and numerous staff members from MAF, both national and international, were present to welcome the aircraft.
AFD Software, known as "The Postcode People," has been specializing in reliable delivery for over 42 years, helping ensure that addresses on mail and parcels in the British Isles are accurate and clear.
However, delivery in Papua New Guinea presents a unique set of challenges. Many communities lack road access, so MAF’s planes are essential for transporting everyday necessities, providing education and medical assistance, and facilitating trade for villages.
After the Cessna aircraft arrived, AFD staff had the chance to ask MAF’s Papua New Guinea team questions about its intended use. This was followed by a brief dedication ceremony, during which the MAF team gathered in a circle around the aircraft, P2-AFD, for a moment of prayer.
The plane was set to embark on its inaugural flight this Wednesday, transporting educational materials to a remote school in the rainforest. This marks the second light aircraft that AFD Software has donated to MAF, following the donation of a Kodiak plane acquired after the company celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2008.
