FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Paola Theaker Paola@grafmartin.com
King Charles Commissions Aircraft for Mission Aviation Fellowship
Northolt, UK, April 4, 2025 – On April 3, His Majesty King Charles unveiled the newest addition to the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) global fleet at a celebration honoring MAF’s 80th Anniversary held at Royal Air Force Northolt, UK.
As a humanitarian air operator, MAF currently serves over 1,000 remote destinations. This new Cessna 208 Caravan will deliver aid to remote regions in MAF Papua New Guinea.
His Majesty joined MAF guests in the hangar, where he met MAF staff past and present along with members of the Papua New Guinea community, in celebration of their 50th anniversary of Independence! The High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea, Her Excellency Betty Palaso, presented the King to members of the Papua New Guinean community in the UK including some of the country’s Rugby League players.
Brad Bell, CEO and President of MAF Canada, was in attendance: “It was a real honour to represent Mission Aviation Fellowship of Canada by meeting His Majesty King Charles as he dedicated a new Cessna 208 Caravan to serve in Papua New Guinea, where 23 Canadian MAF pilots have flown over the years to bring help, hope, and healing to isolated communities,” said Bell.
The new Cessna 208 Caravan will be flown by Canadian pilot Ryan Cole to deliver aid to remote regions in MAF Papua New Guinea.
Cole grew up in Alberta, and trained at Prairie Aviation Training Centre in Three Hills, Alberta. He has been flying with MAF since 2016. His wife, Siobhain, was a member of the Royal Air Force, and has worked in Papua New Guinea since 2014. The couple met in Papua New Guinea and got married in England in 2017.
With this new aircraft, the Coles will be able to continue his work of serving isolated communities in Papua New Guinea by providing access to essential services that greatly impact the well-being of the people living in these areas.
Interviews with Brad Bell, Ryan and Siobhain Cole are available.
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About Mission Aviation Fellowship:
Mission Aviation Fellowship is a Christian ministry that operates 120 aircraft in 24 countries worldwide. MAF transports Christian workers, patients, relief workers, community supplies, and medical aid to the world’s most remote regions and places of deepest human need. Operating for over 75 years, Mission Aviation Fellowship has developed into a worldwide team of specialists; over 450 missionary staff families, including roughly 50 Canadians and their families, serve in both technical and support roles. Our mission is to serve together to bring help, hope, and healing through aviation; our vision is to see isolated people changed by the love of Christ. To learn more, visit maf.ca.