MAF Timor-Leste, and launch partner USAID, will celebrate plans to operate a schedule of domestic flights at a special event later this month.
The regular flights between seven towns and the capital Dili are due to begin on March 20, subject to government approval.
MAF Timor-Leste Country Director Nick Hitchins said he was encouraged by the early reaction to the plans and excited about what the service would mean for regional communities.
“The initial response from our NGO (non-governmental organization) partners has been very encouraging and a recent round of community dialogue with local leaders in the districts demonstrated far-reaching support and excitement at the opportunities that will be opened up for locally-led initiatives,” Mr. Hitchins said.
“They can see that we are trying to put in place an infrastructure which will give people the power to make the most of opportunities in their own lives.
“We are building this connection and communities can decide how they are going to use it.”
The flights from Dili, which will serve key locations Atauro, Maliana, Baucau, Viqueque, Same and Lospalos, will be heavily subsidized for locals of those districts by MAF’s international supporters.
“I’m delighted to be part of an organization that is using funding from its international donor network to create these opportunities for the people of Timor-Leste,” Mr. Hitchins said.
“This support from overseas, and the involvement of our launch partner USAID, is essential to our humanitarian initiative which has a not-for-profit focus on backing local ideas for local people.
“MAF is proud to host the official launch event in cooperation with USAID’s Tourism for All project – and both organizations hope that by establishing new transport infrastructure, tourism in the regions can receive a much-needed boost.”
The launch will be held on March 15 as an invitation-only event for VIPs, government representatives and humanitarian partners.
Subject to government approval, the flights will commence on March 20. When the service begins, tickets can be purchased from Air Timor in Dili, local mosan agents in each town and directly from MAF via WhatsApp.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES: Contact Nick Hitchins at MAF Timor-Leste on +670 7515 1515 or email maf.timorleste@mafint.org
MAF International (ACN 004 260 860) a registered charity, limited by guarantee
A subsidiary of Mission Aviation Fellowship International, registered in England and Wales as company 3144199
