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MAF’s life-saving mission arose from the horror of the Second World War, founded by a small group of airmen committed to using aviation for good. As we prepare to mark our 80^th anniversary, our planes continue to help make our broken world a better place, one flight at a time.

But there remains so much work to be done. From delivering malaria testing kits in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to answering calls for emergency medevacs in Timor-Leste where there are no roads – MAF’s services are needed now more than ever.

We can’t do this alone, we can only do it with you.

Please consider making a donation this Christmas as together we continue to serve the world’s most isolated people.

Our co-founder, Squadron Leader Jack Hemmings (above and below) has a special 80^th anniversary message to encourage and inspire you:

The mysterious path for MAF from idea to action probably began around 1943, when New Zealand RAF Pilot Murray Kendon (pictured below, second from left) was flying bombers over Europe. He was thinking, ‘There should be an organisation to deliver good, without first destroying.’

Murray’s notion was announced in the Mildmay magazine; a copy of which reached me in India in 1945 where I was flying Dakotas to protect the Bay of Bengal from the Japanese air force. An airman in Delhi pointed out the article saying, ‘You might be interested in this, Jack.’

I returned to the UK in 1946, was de-mobbed from the RAF, and met Murray in London along with Royal Naval Navigator Tom Banham (pictured below, far right) and RAF Engineer Stuart King (pictured below, far left), who became my best friend. By early 1948, Stuart and I were in Africa with a Miles Gemini aircraft, flying Tom’s itinerary of around 100 locations where interest had been expressed in MAF’s proposed services.

Our mission was to establish whether MAF could meet some — if not all — of the needs of organisations working in the African bush to bring help to the isolated. Stuart and I launched MAF’s first air service in Sudan two years later, realising that countless rural villages were only reachable by air.

I doubt if anyone back then asked, ‘What’s it going to be like in 80 years’ time?’ We were all too busy dealing with the problems of the day.

But 80 years on? Believe me friends, I shed tears of joy to see MAF alive, expanded and providing the service that it offered back then. Various bodies united, 100+ aircraft, and all giving testimony to the faithfulness of staff, supporters and the unwavering perseverance of sound management. I have often called it the Good Samaritan of the Air.

Above all, I give thanks to God for receiving our prayers — filling our hearts and minds with serenity and love as we lift MAF to Him.

Looking ahead, the world is changing as it always has. We adapt as necessary, often at a cost. Supporters, staff and all — continue in your stalwart way!

You are one of the delights of the world.

Jack

‘Believe me, friends, I shed tears of joy to see MAF alive’

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About MAF UK

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is the world’s largest humanitarian air operator. For over 75 years we have been flying light aircraft over jungles, mountains, swamps and deserts. We enable more than 1,400 aid, development and mission organisations to bring medical care, emergency relief and long-term development. Our pilots and personnel deliver relief workers, doctors, pastors, school books, food, medicines - everything that can only be safely and speedily delivered by air. Our faithful supporters give and pray to make this all possible.