Next-Generation Bush Plane in Phoenix March 6, Tucson March 7

KODIAK Playing Critical Role in Haiti Quake Relief Efforts

Contact: Nicole Aptekar, 909-851-0326, naptekar@maf.org

NAMPA, Idaho, Feb. 16 /Standard Newswire/ -- MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) has announced the first two stops on the 2010 tour of its revolutionary new KODIAK aircraft.  

Photo: More than 400 people came out to Harvey Field in Snohomish, Wash., just outside of Seattle, in October 2009 to see MAF's new KODIAK airplane.

The KODIAK will appear in the Greater Phoenix area from 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at the Scottsdale Airport, Landmark North Complex, 15115 N. Airport Dr., Scottsdale, Ariz. Its second stop will be in Tucson, from 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, March 7, at Ryan Field, UIM-Aviation Hangar, 6230 S. Airfield Dr.

The appearances will include a 3 p.m. commitment ceremony in Scottsdale, a similar event at 2 p.m. in Tucson, and drawings at each venue for a short complimentary flight aboard the KODIAK.

Additional stops will be announced later in the year, according to MAF President John Boyd.

"MAF is excited about the level of public interest in the amazing KODIAK demonstrated during its successful inaugural tour in 2009," said Boyd. "The KODIAK is currently proving its strategic value in Haiti, which is the first-ever deployment of a KODIAK to a disaster zone."

For driving directions and more information, visit www.maf.org/kodiaktour.

Since mid-June 2009, thousands of enthusiastic supporters and friends of MAF, including pastors and their congregations, have flocked to local airports in 15 cities, from San Diego to Chicago, to see the unique new KODIAK.

The KODIAK is 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.

The MAF KODIAK is part of a multi-year initiative to upgrade the MAF fleet. In addition to the emergency deployment of one KODIAK to Haiti, three other KODIAKs are currently in use on mission fields in Indonesia and Central Asia.

Founded in the U.S. in 1945, MAF (www.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 58 bush aircraft -- including the new KODIAK -- MAF serves in 31 countries, with an average of 101 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.