We fly to more destinations than any airline in the world – so said Andrew Martin when he spoke to Anstruther Rotary this week.

Andrew is based in Glasgow, representing the Christian charity ‘Mission Aviation Fellowship’ as Community Manager for Scotland. MAF was formed just after the Second World War and has been flying to the ends of the Earth for more than sixty years. MAF currently operates 136 light aircraft and every three minutes, a MAF plane is taking off or landing to assist aid and development agencies, missions, churches and other national groups. Over recent years MAF has served in more than 55 countries, flying over 200,000 passengers each year – often in dangerous circumstances. The annual bill for fuel alone comes to £6M.

MAF works in close partnership with over 1,000 missions, providing flights and logistical support for their outreach to communities in developing nations.

These missions include aid agencies, missions, relief and development organisations, government departments, local churches and other national groups. Their work spans healthcare and emergency medical response, emergency relief, development and the bringing of God's word. In every country, operations are with the support of the government and in some for government backed development projects.

Countries of operation include Angola, Chad, South Sudan, Ecuador, Haiti, Bangladesh, East Timor, Indonesia, Mongolia – and so many more that feature constantly in headlines for disaster and deprivation.

MAF provides transport to the most remote regions and supports existing aid agencies including - as just a very few examples: CARE, Oxfam, Salvation Army, Save the Children, UNICEF, World Food Programme, World Vision, CAFOD.

Following questions, Charles Thrower proposed a vote of thanks for a powerful and very interesting talk. More about MAF is at (http://www.maf-uk.org)