The King has unveiled a new aircraft to mark the 80th anniversary of the Christian charity Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF).
At an event held at the RAF Northolt base in west London, the monarch not only celebrated the charity’s significant work but also marked the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence from Australia.
The new Cessna 208 will join MAF's fleet of 117 light aircraft, helping to deliver vital aid to one of the 1,400 remotes areas the charity currently reaches, including Papua New Guinea.
King Charles, who learned to fly with the RAF, reminisced about his own experiences as a pilot when meeting MAF pilots at the event. Joseph Tua, an MAF pilot and Papua New Guinea native, shared his thoughts on their conversation, calling it “monumental”.
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“He talked about visiting Papua New Guinea in the 1960s, meeting the tribes, and the places he visited,” Tua explained. “He mentioned the creepy crawlies there, the flying we do, and thanked us for it. He also spoke about his aviation experience.”
Tua joined MAF six years ago after God “hijacked” his plans to become a pilot for commercial airlines.
“God had other plans, obviously,” he said. “I love this a lot more than if I had joined the airlines. It’s been very fulfilling, though dangerous at times. There are days when I’m just glad to get home – it’s by the grace of God. But it’s so fulfilling. I think I’ve found my purpose: to serve. I think that's what the Bible calls us to do, to serve and to love your neighbour.”
The charity, founded by Christian RAF pilots after World War II, uses aviation to reach the most vulnerable in remote areas.
MAF has been operating in Papua New Guinea since 1951, providing crucial services to the country’s rural population, much of which lives in isolation and poverty. With only 25 per cent of roads paved and frequent earthquakes from the Pacific Ring of Fire, delivering aid remains a huge challenge.
Papua New Guinea's High Commissioner, Betty Palaso, told Premier more about the country’s ongoing efforts to rebuild.
“Unfortunately, we are affected by weather events, floods, earthquakes, etc. It’s a struggle, but with support from countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and the USA, we are working to get back to normal,” she said. “For the King to celebrate our country is an extreme honour. We are so grateful that he took the time to be here and to launch this event.”
The new Cessna was blessed by the Royal Air Force padre before departing for Papua New Guinea, where it will continue MAF’s vital work.