Draft:Aviation Sans Frontiéres


Aviation Sans Frontiéres
NicknameASF International
Formation1980
TypeNGO
PurposeProviding humanitarian aid through aviation services
HeadquartersGeneva
Websitehttps://asf-international.org/
Formerly called
ASF France, European inter-ASF Alliance Network

Aviation Sans Frontiéres(ASF International) is a NGO whose stated mission is "to provide aeronautical expertise and resources to the humanitarian aid sector and sustainable development. Neutral, independent and not in competition with local stakeholders, ASF-International goes where others do not (or no longer go) to allow aid and development stakeholders to access isolated groups in need"[1]. They provide aid to those currently suffering under a humanitarian crisis, who may need last-mile aviation-based services. They are the first NGO to hold a European Air Operator's Certificate[2].

Sub-organizations edit

ASF France was the original ASF organization, founded in France in 1980[3]. Later, other European ASF organizations were founded, joining in the informal "European inter-ASF Alliance Network". However, multiple ASF organizations still felt as if they were disconnected from the rest of the network, leading to ASF-Europe members agreeing in 2015 to create ASF International in 2016[4]. ASF International became a formal joint legal entity, with an office in Geneva. However, there are still 10 legally distinct ASF organizations under the ASF International umbrella, as listed below[5]-

  • ASF Belgium
  • ASF Canada
  • ASF Finland
  • ASF France
  • ASF Germany
  • ASF Netherlands
  • ASF Spain
  • ASF Switzerland
  • ASF UK
  • ASF U.S.

Services edit

According to the ASF International website[6], there are 5 main services that they offer - "Air Operations", "Air Support to Health", "Aviation for Conservation", "Aviation Project Management", and "Drone Projects".

Air Operations edit

The main ASF International Fleet largely contains 3 Cessna Caravans operating in Africa[7]. They routinely carry out missions in the DRC, frequently in dangerous conditions - due to those conditions, they have stated that they will always have two pilots on every flight. In 2018, ASF planes flew 1824 hours, transporting 5277 passengers and 61 tons of humanitarian relief material[8].

Air Support to Health edit

The ASF routinely transports doctors to the Panzi Foundation, a hospital in South Kivu helping those who have suffered from sexual violence[9]. Dr. Sylvain, an employee of the Panzi Foundation, stated that "We are in Shabunda in 45 to 50 minutes by plane. But by road it takes us 5 to 7 days to get to destination"[10].

In addition the organization's Panzi Foundation mission, the organization has also consistently transported dentists to Ambalavalo, Madagascar for the AMALGACHE organization since 1997. The volunteer dentists provide potentially life-saving care to the children in the city and surrounding area[11].

Aviation for Conservation edit

Since 2009, the ASF has worked in the area of the sustainable management of natural resources, largely in Comoé National Park in Côte d'Ivoire[12]. They are active in mapping, ecological monitoring, and aerial monitoring of animal species. They can conduct this by aerial- or drone-based imaging, as well as analyzing existing satellite imagery.

Aviation Project Management edit

In addition to flying the missions themselves, ASF offers the ability to manage an external aviation project through helping with legal or administrative work. They can monitor aircraft operations, manage flight logs, select external airlines to be used, as well as providing general advisory support[13].

Drone Projects edit

The ASF Drone program largely helps assist the Conservation program through providing aerial imagery.

References edit

  1. ^ "MISSION & VISION". ASF International - Aviation Sans Frontières International. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  2. ^ "Aviation Sans Frontières". orbxdirect.com. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  3. ^ "Aviation Sans Frontières". corporate.airfrance.com. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  4. ^ "WHO ARE WE ?". ASF International - Aviation Sans Frontières International. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  5. ^ "Run for us - Aviation Without Borders". 2021-11-07. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  6. ^ "HOME". ASF International - Aviation Sans Frontières International. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  7. ^ "Social Commitment - Aviation Without Border | Michelin Aircraft". aircraft.michelin.com. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  8. ^ "OUR AIR FLEET | Aviation Sans Frontières". asf-fr.org. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  9. ^ "Supporting Panzi Hospital's mobile teams in Congo". Koning Boudewijnstichting. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  10. ^ "AIR SUPPORT TO HEALTH". ASF International - Aviation Sans Frontières International. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  11. ^ "AIR SUPPORT FOR HEALTH - humanitarian mission of the non-profit organization AMALGACHE, in Madagascar". ASF Belgium - Piloten Zonder Grenzen Belgium. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  12. ^ Mazzocchini, Diego (2023-08-28). "Aerial Monitoring of Comoé National Park: Innovation for Conservation". gisAction. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  13. ^ "AVIATION PROJECT MANAGEMENT". ASF International - Aviation Sans Frontières International. Retrieved 2024-02-07.