Slides Framework

AVIATION SERVICES

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Operating in a Challenging Environment

The frequency of humanitarian emergencies has significantly increased the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance over the last 20 years. During 2018, 136 million people required international humanitarian assistance, representing an increase of 5.8 percent as compared to 2017. This increase was particularly pronounced in sudden-onset emergencies, where air transport to move lifesaving supplies over vast distances was critical. Air transport remained the fastest means to reach people in locations which would otherwise be inaccessible by road.

The WFP Strategic Plan (2017–2021) strategic goals are based on two primary Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 2: Achieving zero hunger, and SDG 17: Partnering to support the implementation of the SDGs. In line with these two SDGs, WFP Aviation provides the humanitarian and development communities with access to safe and reliable air services.

Reaching the Most Remote and Challenging Locations

The UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) provides safe, reliable, cost-efficient and effective passenger and light cargo transport to and from areas affected by natural and man-made disasters. The service is available in countries where safe and reliable surface transport options are critically compromised by poor infrastructure, vast distances and insecurity, and when there is no safe commercial air transport alternative.

In support of humanitarian interventions, WFP offers services such as airlifts and airdrops in particular for WFP food assistance programmes and large-scale cargo deliveries for partner organizations.

WFP also provides bilateral passenger services on demand to UN agencies and non-governmental organisations at locations where UNHAS is not operational or where the organizational needs cannot be fulfilled.

  • 400,000

    passengers

    transported to reach the world’s most remote and challenging locations

  • 80,000

    MT

    of cargo transported to facilitate access to basic humanitarian needs

  • 24

    countries

    supported with safe, efficient and effective air transport

    • Key Operations

    In 2018, WFP supported humanitarian operations for safe, efficient and effective air transport. This – along with medical and security evacuation of aid workers – enabled donors, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations to respond more effectively to humanitarian and development needs worldwide. WFP delivered air services to support some of the world’s most dire emergencies including the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of Congo, insecurity in Nigeria and conflict in Yemen.

  • 45,922

    passengers

    transported to the Democratic Republic of Congo

  • 63,000

    passengers

    relied on UNHAS to access conflicted-affected areas in northeastern Nigeria

  • 59

    organizations

    used UNHAS services to access conflicted-affected areas in Yemen

    • Structure of UNHAS

    WFP oversees the operational management of all UNHAS operations ensuring they comply with pertinent safety standards and regulations. UNHAS utilizes steering and user group committees at the field level to guarantee the delivery of high-quality air services to the humanitarian community.

    These committees comprise of representatives from donor communities, UN agencies and non-governmental organisations, who are responsible for overseeing the funding situation, advising on flight schedules, prioritisation of locations and other critical operational matters.

  • 700

    organizations

    were served by UNHAS to access hard-to-reach locations

  • 386,000

    passengers

    transported by UNHAS of which 40% United Nations, 55% NGOs and 5% government agencies, media and diplomats