Humanitarian air transportation organization Air Serv International has dispatched a Cessna Grand Caravan single-engine turboprop to Wau, South Sudan, to support relief efforts in the war-torn country.
The Grand Caravan departed Entebbe, Uganda, on Jan. 13 with a scheduled refueling and inspection stop in Juba, South Sudan’s capital.
The Grand Caravan and a six-member team will base their operation in Wau, which is approximately 400 miles northwest of Juba and has been the site of heavy tribal clashes, ethnic violence, and difficult conditions for aid workers, Air Serv said.
With access to the area limited by poor or nonexistent roads and a disrupted railway from Khartoum, Sudan, the aircraft will operate from a single unpaved runway during its mission, expected to last about 24 months.
Air Serv International's other aircraft in South Sudan is a Cessna Caravan that was positioned in Juba several months ago to assist a third party in providing support and transport for aid organizations working within the country.
The organization's aircraft serve as a bridge, carrying aid from donors to those who need it most. With a fleet of five Cessna Caravans, Air Serv specializes in “last mile” air transportation in support of humanitarian programs. AOPA flew on a humanitarian mission with Air Serv in 2016. For information about humanitarian programs or to make a donation to support emergency response efforts, please visit the Air Serv International website.