Next-Generation MAF Bush Plane on Display in Oregon This Month

It happens August 15th in Newberg and August 16th in Aurora Oregon: Innovative KODIAK Revolutionizes Travel to Remote Regions.

MAF board members, staff, local officials and ministry supporters view the ministry’s new KODIAK next-generation bush plane at its dedication ceremony May 2. During the next few years, MAF will replace 20 of its Cessna 206s with planes – either KODIAKs or Cessna Caravans – that operate on more-available, less-costly jet fuel.

(NEWBERG, Ore.) - An innovative new airplane designed specifically to support missionaries, humanitarian organizations and others in remote areas of the world will be on display at two locations in Oregon.

The aircraft will be in Newberg on August 15th at Precision Aviation Services at Chehalem Airpark, and in Aurora on August 16th at Willamette Aviation Service at Aurora State Airport.

The KODIAK plane is operated by MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship), a faith-based, nonprofit ministry that serves missions and isolated people around the world with aviation, communications and learning technologies.

“Whether you’re an aviation buff, friend and supporter of MAF, church group, businessperson or individual, this is an opportunity to not only glimpse the first MAF KODIAK, but also to obtain information about what God is doing through MAF around the world and how to partner in this life-changing endeavor,” said John Boyd, MAF president.

The MAF KODIAK is part of a multiyear initiative to upgrade the MAF fleet. Although generous gifts from churches, individuals and foundations have enabled MAF to purchase the aircraft, sponsors are still needed to fund the flight to its service destination in Indonesia.

MAF is accepting sponsorship opportunities during a national tour to introduce the plane.

The KODIAK is the first of the next-generation bush planes to be produced under a visionary arrangement between MAF and the manufacturer, Quest Aircraft Co. Designed by Quest with input from MAF and other humanitarian organizations, the KODIAK carries a larger payload and runs on jet fuel, which, compared with scarce aviation gasoline, or “avgas,” is more readily available and much less expensive. This ensures the reliability and cost efficiency of missionary flights to various regions globally.

“Folks don’t want to miss this opportunity to get an up-close view of how God uses specially-equipped MAF bush planes to carry the sick and injured to medical clinics and deliver medicines, Bibles, building materials, food and other necessities of life to the most remote parts of the world,” said Boyd.

The KODIAK will be on display from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Aug. 15 at Chehalem Airpark and from 5:00 p.m to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at Aurora State Airport. Chehalem Airpark is located at 17770 N.E. Aviation Way in Newberg. Aurora State Airport is located at 23115 Airport Road N.E. in Aurora.

Founded in the United States in 1945, MAF, maf.org, missionary teams of aviation, communications, technology and education specialists overcome barriers in remote areas, transform lives and build God’s Kingdom by enabling the work of more than 1,000 organizations in isolated areas of the world.

With its fleet of 130 bush aircraft, MAF serves in 55 countries, with an average of 242 flights daily across Africa, Asia, Eurasia and Latin America. MAF pilots transport missionaries, medical personnel, medicines and relief supplies, as well as conduct thousands of emergency medical evacuations in remote areas.

MAF also provides telecommunications services, such as satellite Internet access, high frequency radios, electronic mail and other wireless systems.