UN introduces new helicopter livery for humanitarian aid in Africa

The United Nations Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) has introduced a new fleet of orange rotorcraft in order to improve safety of humanitarian support missions.

The new livery is part of a series of methods to increase the effectiveness of the aid for communities in need, including ongoing access negotiations and community engagement initiatives.

‘’If the helicopter you see up there is orange, then you need to know that it’s a WFP helicopter,” said Peter Musoko, WFP’s Country Director in DRC. “It’s flying humanitarian workers to help support the most vulnerable people who need emergency assistance. The orange helicopters are a symbol of peace for the frontline workers, so they can reach those most in need. Our work is always guided by the core humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.’’

UNHAS provides passenger and light cargo services to some of the world ‘s most remote and challenging locations that are difficult to reach by land as a result of vast distances, limited infrastructure and insecurity. The air service has a fleet of nine aircraft operating in DRC. In 2023, UNHAS has already flown more than 10,000 aid workers and over 160 metric tons of essential cargo, and evacuated over 41 people in need of urgent medical care.

To the south, the Zambian Air Force have just purchased new helicopters for utility and training missions.