Provision of Humanitarian Air Services in Mali

This operation has been modified as per budget revision 2 (see below).

This Special Operation (SO) has been established to continue the provision of safe and reliable air transport services to the humanitarian community in Mali in 2015.

The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) commenced its services in Mali on 1 January 2013 to help respond to challenges posed by drought and deteriorating security resulting from the geopolitical situation in the country. The operation aims to facilitate humanitarian access by providing a safe, reliable, effective and efficient air transport service to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), United Nations (UN) agencies, government counterparts and donor representatives in Mali. It also ensures that air support is available for medical and security evacuations. 

With a budgeted cost of US$ 5,894,113, SO 200802 will be managed by the WFP Mali Country Office from 1 January to 31 December 2015. On behalf of the humanitarian community, UNHAS will serve approximately eight destinations with two fixed wing aircraft (one Beechcraft 1900 D and one Let 410). The Beechcraft will be based in Bamako and the Let 410 in Mopti.

The project is predominantly reliant on donor contributions; however, approximately 15% of the budget will be generated through cost-recovery.

Fleet composition and operational routes have been determined after needs assessments and consultations with relevant stakeholders. The project will be implemented through standard WFP management structures and support systems and regularly reviewed in accordance with standard procedures in order to minimize risks and ensure operational efficiency.

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Budget revision 2 to Special Operation 200802 seeks to extend the project in time for 12 months in order to ensure the continued provision of air transport services to the humanitarian community until 31 December 2016, with a subsequent total budget increase of US$7,242,211.