About MAF
Our mission
Since 1945 we have been flying for people who are cut off from the world. As a Christian organisation we live out love of neighbour, bringing medical help, food and education to regions where there are no roads and help would otherwise never arrive. We work to make geographical isolation cease to be an obstacle. Because we believe that no one should be forgotten.
MAF in numbers
aircraft
Roughly every 6 minutes, a MAF aircraft takes off or lands somewhere in the world.
countries
With over 1,000 destinations worldwide, we reach thousands of people every day.
tonnes of cargo
That is how much vital cargo we deliver to remote places each year, saving lives.
people
Every year we carry thousands of people, connecting worlds in the process.
Our history
During the Second World War, thousands of aircraft were used to bring destruction. When the war ended, MAF co-founder Murray Kendon asked a decisive question: “How is it that there is enough money to get thousands of planes into the air to kill and destroy, when only a handful are being used for missionary work?” That thought became the starting point for the founding of MAF in London in 1945. Shortly afterwards MAF carried out its first survey flights in Central and East Africa, and in 1950 established its first programme in Sudan.
MAF celebrates its 80th anniversary
What began small is today the world's largest humanitarian airline. MAF operates 116 aircraft in over 24 countries of the Global South. Alongside us stand more than 1,500 partner organisations with a similar commitment.
Where roads end, we keep flying and bring life.
Work that means something
Flying, repairing, leading, supporting: there are many ways to help at MAF. Full-time or voluntary, in Switzerland or anywhere in the world. Find out what drives our staff and how you can become part of MAF.
MAF aircraft
Our small aircraft are built for what larger machines cannot do: they land where airstrips are barely visible – on short grass, on unmade ground, even on water. Discover the fleet that takes MAF to where help is needed most.
Finances and partners
Trust comes from transparency. That is why we publish all the information about our funding, our partnerships and our memberships. Anyone who supports us should know exactly what happens to their contribution.
