WFP Aviation is a strategic arm of the logistics services of the programme, providing safe and reliable passenger and cargo services to the entire humanitarian community in emergencies and when such emergencies endure. For more than 20 years, Aviation Services has played fundamental roles in the logistics chain delivering food and non food items to hot spots and transporting aid workers, donors and media to the remotest parts of the globe where local capacity is lacking or when local operators do not meet air safety requirements. Without air service, it might be impossible for humanitarian workers to access vulnerable people or deliver medicines and urgent supplies on time when emergencies occur.

 

UNHAS currently operates regular air services to more than 200 locations in about 13 countries in Africa and East Asia. 

 

In recognition of the role of air services to the overall mission of United Nations and the entire humanitarian community, the High Level Committee on Management (HLCM) in 2003 mandated WFP to provide air services to the UN humanitarian agencies and their cooperating partners. This led to the founding of the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS). Since then, WFP UNHAS has flown more than 327,000 hours, carrying more than 1.4 million passengers and 440,000 metric tons of cargo. In 2009, monthly average of 26,700 passengers, 820 metric tons of cargo is transported in 3,600 flight using 58 aircraft.

UNHAS does not own any aircraft but relies on approved operators (AOCholders) selected through a confidential e-tendering process. UNHAS complies with the United Nations Common Aviation Safety Standards (AVSTADS) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. WFP has an independent Aviation Safety Unit (ASU), a functional Aviation Training and Quality Assurance units to support its operations.

 

For more details on WFP Aviation, please click here to see their brochure.