Bangladesh is one of the world’s poorest, most densely populated and least developed nations. Development is severely hindered by its geography and climate – tropical, with a mild winter, a hot and humid summer followed by a monsoon season when natural hazards pose a serious threat. Severe flooding from the annual monsoon as well as droughts and cyclones are common.
One third of the population lives below the poverty line, but the countless rivers and the huge Ganges Delta make travelling to receive vital help virtually impossible. Water-borne diseases are common, yet medical care and support is limited due to the inaccessibility of many communities.
With one third of the total area covered in water and few airstrips, a special type of aircraft is needed. MAF has been flying an amphibious aircraft in Bangladesh since 1997.
With this amphibious aircraft, stretches of water no longer pose a barrier for communities in need of help. Landing at over 200 water sites, we reach the least accessible areas, bringing life-changing and life-saving support and hope.
Our main focus is on providing a service to remote areas where development needs are greatest, with most flights for the government, aid and development organisations and also for medical emergencies.
Following the devastation caused by cyclone Sidr in November 2007, our aircraft was the first civilian aircraft to help. The team was inundated with requests for flights.
Key organisations served by MAF:
• Action Against Hunger (ACF)
• DFID
• Friendship
• HEED Bangladesh
• Helen Keller International
• Impact Foundation
• Save the Children USA
• USAID
• WOD Trust