In Timor-Leste our program began in 2007 and MAF is one of two regular domestic airlines operating in the country. Based in a country of 1.3 million people, demand for MAF’s services continues to grow.
2 Aircraft
11 Destinations
11 Staff
55 Partners
After a referendum in 1999 resulted in a majority vote for independence, serious conflict followed in Timor-Leste. Within 3 weeks, the country was rampaged by anti-independence Timorese militias (organised and supported by the Indonesians). Most of the country’s infrastructure, including homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, and schools, and nearly 100% of the country’s electrical grid were destroyed.
Stability was eventually restored and the country gained independence in 2002. But life remains difficult. Isolated communities have few of life’s essentials and surface transport can be slow and dangerous. In December 2012, the UN and Australian Army withdrew peace-keeping forces from Timor-Leste, along with all their aircraft. Many airstrips were closed.
Timor-Leste has the highest level of malnutrition in Southeast Asia, and the highest percentage of underweight children in the world. Mortality is 11 times that of Australia, and almost 40% of the population lives in poverty.
Our program began in 2007 and MAF is one of two regular domestic airlines operating in the country. Based in a country of 1.3 million people, demand for MAF’s services continues to grow.
In partnership with the Ministry of Health, MAF provides life-saving medevacs (medical evacuations) from the districts to the country’s main hospital in Dili, carrying out over 200 medevacs a year. This plan was bolstered by the arrival of a second GA8 Airvan in 2015, provided by the generosity of Australian donors.
Our flights also enable Christian NGOs to assist people living with disabilities in remote areas. We often transport medical professionals, including cardiologists and eye specialists to Oecusse hospital, located in a hard to reach area. MAF Timor-Leste flies the staff of many organisations that are working here, who are seeking to improve the health, education and well being of it’s people.
With mission being rooted firmly in his family, right back to his great grandparents, Joe is eager to start this new chapter that God is calling him into, by serving the people of Timor-Leste.
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