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MAF given grant to fund new aircraft

Sept. 20, 2010, Nampa, Id. - MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship), a faith-based,nonprofit ministry that brings aid and assistance to needy people in isolated and remote regions of the world, has been awarded a $1.7 million challenge grant to fund the full purchase price of a KODIAK, a revolutionary aircraft designed to meet the specialized needs of missionary bush flying.


September 20, 2010  By Carey Fredericks

A donor who has been a supporting MAF for many years and
wants to encourage a significant gift to MAF is providing the
grant with the condition that another donor commits to a grant in
the same amount by the end of this year. Separately, MAF has received a
second grant that matches dollar for dollar up to $750,000 toward
completing the funding of a sixth KODIAK bush plane for the ministry’s fleet.

“MAF is blessed to receive such generous financial
support,” said MAF President and CEO John Boyd. “We trust that others
will be moved to contribute so that MAF can realize the full
potential of these two valuable grants. The challenge grant essentially
will provide two additional KODIAKs, if the challenge is met.

“KODIAK airplanes are much more cost-effective to
operate and greatly expand our ability to quickly transport essential
aid to remote areas where it is most needed. We look forward to placing
more of them into service overseas,” Boyd said. “MAF recently deployed
one of its new KODIAKs to Haiti where it proved invaluable in
responding to the earthquake disaster. During the next two years, MAF
needs to acquire seven more KODIAKs.”

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In 2009, MAF launched a multiyear initiative to
replace many of its aging Cessna 206s with new KODIAKs. Designed by
Quest Aircraft Co., with input from MAF and other Christian ministries,
the KODIAK carries a larger payload and runs on readily available and
much less expensive jet fuel.

Churches, individuals and foundations are encouraged
to contact Ghislaine Benney, director of ministry advancement,
for information about how they can contribute toward this key
project to optimize the MAF fleet.

Founded in the U.S. in 1945, MAF missionary teams of
aviation, communications and learning technologies specialists
overcome barriers in remote areas, transform lives and build God's
Kingdom.

With its fleet of 58 bush aircraft – including the
new Kodiak – MAF serves in 41 countries, enabling and maximizing the
work of some 1,000 organizations. MAF pilots transport missionaries,
medical personnel, medicines and relief supplies, as well as conduct
thousands of emergency medical evacuations in remote areas each
year. MAF also provides telecommunications services, such as
satellite Internet access, high-frequency radios, electronic mail and
other wireless systems.

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