On a royal visit to Bangladesh last week, HRH Princess Anne flew with MAF to visit the cyclone affected areas of Gabura and to Chila Bazar, where she visited a project funded by Save the Children. Princess Anne is a patron of Save the Children UK
Bangladesh has a high percentage of its land mass underwater and is prone to cyclones and seasonal flooding. MAF operates a float plane able to land on water and land, making it better equipped to reach many communities which are cut off because of flooding and to bring help quickly especially in crisis.
With a number of damaging cyclones in the past few years, there is still a lot of work to be done in helping to rebuild the affected areas and in making them less vulnerable. MAF’s work in Bangladesh supports organisations helping with rebuilding work, flying supplies, equipment and teams, as well as supporting local medical work at two floating hospitals.
MAF pilot Chad Tilley, based in the Capital Dhaka shares, ‘I had an opportunity to talk with Princess Anne and she was very intrigued by MAF and the amphibian aircraft already knowing that this was the only aircraft of its type here in country. She remarked what a great tool to help a country with so much water.’
MAF has been operating in Bangladesh since 1997. For more information about MAF’s work in Bangladesh and other developing countries, check out our what we do section.
Notes to editors:
MAF is a Christian organisation which operates over 125 aircraft serving people in some of the most isolated parts of the world. MAF has bases in more than 35 countries.
The amphibious aircraft in Bangladesh means 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.