1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Preface
Aviation has an important role to play in most humanitarian operations, the more so when travel overland is difficult or impossible due to the security situation or damaged infrastructure. However, the operation of aircraft of any kind is a costly and potentially dangerous undertaking, and it is essential that it is conducted in as safe and cost-effective manner as possible. The purpose of these SAOP is to establish guidelines and to streamline procedures for the air operation in order to create a safe, efficient and reliable air service for the use of entitled responders, and therefore for the eventual benefit of the affected population.
1.2 General Principles
The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) bases its rules and procedures, staff qualification criteria, and aircraft chartering procedures on the United Nations Common Aviation Safety Standards (AVSTADS). AVSTADS have been jointly agreed between the World Food Program (WFP) and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) under International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines.
In addition to these guidelines, UNHAS operates under a number of other legal, contractual, and safety obligations which these SAOP are designed to capture. As such, these procedures are mandatory and non-negotiable.
Nonetheless, air operations are inherently flexible and can be quickly adapted to meet new situations and requirements, and it is important that this flexibility is utilised for the benefit of the operation as a whole. Over time, the operational requirements almost invariably change, and it is therefore vital that the operational structure, and hence these instructions remain flexible and responsive to new and/or changed needs, circumstances, and operating environment. To this end, these instructions will remain under constant review, and subject to amendment as required.
1.3 WFP Philippines – Concept of Operations
At present, WFP chartered passenger aircraft are under UNHAS management control to provide air transport to the eligible Humanitarian Organizations in Philippines. Emergency evacuations and relocation of staff requested through the office of the Designated Official will be financed through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and medical evacuations will be covered by the requesting agency on a full cost recovery basis.
The operation has an in-built flexibility to cover new and emerging requirements in the area. In this regard, the aircraft location may change to address the needs of the Humanitarian Community. These are under constant review as they are often affected by political, natural and security considerations.
UNHAS is based in Manila, Philippines. An integrated administration, communication, flight information, ramp, cargo services and medical and security evacuation procedures system is in place. This integration has allowed for increased productivity with substantial economies of scale.
Professional operating criteria contribute to safe and reliable operations thus allowing all accredited humanitarian organisations to transport their staff and supplies with a minimum of delay and maximum safety.