MAF: 70 years of service

PNG Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has been serving rural communities since 1951 or for 70 years.
“It has been bringing physical and spiritual hope to remote communities and is still continuing to do so, delivering basic services,” the MAF said in an anniversary media statement.
From its humble beginnings in Madang in 1951, and the ultimate sacrifice by pilot Harry Hartwig only a few months into operation to present day with a fleet of Cessna 208 Caravans, MAF has come a long way.
At its peak, MAF had a footprint from Western to Bougainville.
“We have heard many stories from our beloved people of PNG, missionaries, and non-government organisation (NGO) partners about how MAF has served as their lifeline, impacting their communities, and improving their lives,” Hartwig said.
“Over the years, our fleet has changed, but MAF’s vision has remained the same to see isolated people physically and spiritually transformed in Christ through sharing of God’s love via aviation and technology.” He said using the Cessna C208 Caravan, “we overcame the physical barriers to bring healthcare, education, safe water and the Gospel to the inland communities who had no road access”.
“We are bringing help, hope and healing to the isolated people of this country,” he said.
“With a team of about 100 Papua New Guineans and 40 international staff spread across 11 bases, we serve local communities, local churches, missionaries, NGOs, development and relief agencies, and government departments to change the lives of those living in remote areas.
“As we celebrate our 70th year, we love to hear people sharing their stories of Mission Aviation Fellowship services that brought hope and joy via writings and pictures,” he added.
Simon Wamo from Mt Hagen, Israel Kaupa and Michael Paul Kumo from Chimbu, Joy Suarika from Eastern Highlands and Anna Rayner from the UK will receive a Mission Aviation Fellowship PNG anniversary prize later this year.