Air Serv International has sent one of its aircraft to assist Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) in response to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ebola, a highly contagious and fast-spreading disease, can have disastrous effects in developing countries where healthcare provision is low. A Cessna 208B Caravan, operated by Ugandan subsidiary Air Serv Limited, has been provided at no cost along with crew, an engineer, a base manager, positioning of the aircraft to and from the site and 60 hours of flight time.
The aircraft departed its base at Entebbe in Uganda for Kinshasa in the DRC on 17 May, picking up medical cargo and emergency medical response staff. It was then dispatched to Mbandaka, the main Ebola response base.
With a fleet of six Caravans, Air Serv specialises in 'last mile' air transportation in support of humanitarian programmes. In addition to charter, facilities, maintenance and consulting services, it provides equipment and expertise in disaster areas.