MAF Orders Up To Seven Cessna Caravans

Textron Aviation received an order from the Mission Aviation Fellowship International (MAF) for five Cessna Caravans that will be used to transition the MAF fleet in Papua New Guinea. The order, which Textron Aviation said is the single largest aircraft investement made by MAF, includes an option for two more. The Caravans on firm order will be delivered this year and placed into service in Papua New Guinea by mid-2019. The aircraft will join three existing Caravans in the region as MAF transitions to an all-Caravan fleet there, Textron Aviation said.

“With an all-Caravan fleet powered by the dependable PT6 engine, significant gains in reliability and mission impact will be achieved,” said William Nicol, MAF International aviation director. “The Caravan provides capability that ensures an effective, efficient, and sustainable operation—a critical consideration when operating with limited infrastructure in challenging conditions, where remote access often becomes a matter of life and death.”

MAF has served the isolated communities of Papua New Guinea since 1951, bringing in aid workers, long-term development specialists, mission workers, doctors and nurses, teachers, and water engineers. The missions have delivered food, medical supplies, and relief, water, and education to those living in remote areas.

MAF has gradually expanded its Caravan operations over past decade, Textron Aviation said, noting the turboprop single has now been operated into 95 percent of more than 230 remote bush airstrips.