Story ID: 
Humanitarian Group Deploys Two More Caravans
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Air Serv, which operates five Cessna Caravans, has relocated another two of them to eastern Africa to support aid programs in the strife-torn region.
Word Count: 227
Humanitarian air services provider Air Serv has expanded its operations in eastern Africa with the deployment of two additional Cessna Grand Caravans to the region. The aircraft will be deployed in Juba, South Sudan, and Darfur, Sudan, joining the aircraft that is based in Wau.

The two countries have experienced a period of political and economic instability over the past two decades due to drought, famine, and tribal warfare, which has resulted in more than five million refugees and displaced people. Air Serv's aircraft will support assistance programs providing shelter, food, and medical services to those communities.

Additionally, the Juba-based aircraft will be used to support medical programs, with an Ebola outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo having claimed more than 2,000 lives. Air Serv’s crews and staff are working with the World Health Organization to learn proper handling and transport techniques for patients. As the only fixed-wing aircraft in the region dedicated to this mission, it will be strategically located should the epidemic continue to spread.

Virginia-based Air Serv, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, operates a fleet of five Caravans and specializes in “last mile” air transportation in support of humanitarian efforts. In addition to charter, maintenance, and consulting services, the non-profit organization provides response capabilities for assistance groups operating in disaster areas.