Humanitarian Aviation Campaign
02
Sep
Summary
What this edition was
The 18th Global Humanitarian Aviation Conference takes place in Mombasa, Kenya, from 14 to 16 October 2026, convening operators, regulators, UN agencies, donors and industry partners for three days of sessions, panel discussions and exhibition.
Day 1 looks at resilience under funding pressure: how humanitarian aviation organizations sustain air services with fewer resources, and how air service providers build a sustainable business case. Day 2 turns to advancing opportunities and excellence in humanitarian aviation, and to the innovation and technology that support operations. Day 3 is a working session on critical aviation safety challenges, including near mid-air collisions, lithium battery fire risks and airspace deconfliction in conflict-affected environments.
Agenda
The programme
Full agenda (PDF)Every session, speaker and time in one printable document.
Times are local to Mombasa (East Africa Time, UTC+3). The programme may be refined as sessions are confirmed.
Day 1: Wednesday 14 October 2026
08:00 - 09:00
Registration
09:00 - 10:15
Opening ceremony
Welcome by the Master of Ceremonies, national anthem and an address by Capt. Samir Sajet. An introduction to Mombasa and Kenya, a video message from the UN Secretary-General and a humanitarian film. Remarks by high-level delegates Eric Perdison and Geoffery Mwangi (WFP), Nicholas Bodo (KCAA) and Lucy Mbugua (ICAO), recognition of the conference patrons, Women in Humanitarian Aviation, and the group photo.
10:15 - 11:00
Networking and coffee break
11:00 - 13:00
Session 1 · Resilient Skies: Humanitarian Aviation Organizations
Sustaining humanitarian air services in an era of resource constraints: strategies for resilience and operational continuity. Moderator: Daniel Juzi (SDC). Presentations by Oleh Maslyukov (UNHAS, WFP), Mohamed Chakib (WFP), Daniel Juzi (SDC), Dave McCleery (PACTEC, "Challenging Times for Humanitarian Aviation Operations") and Immaculate Apolot (ICAO), followed by a panel discussion with Michel Schaffner (ICRC) and Nicholas Bodo (KCAA).
13:00 - 14:00
Networking and lunch break
14:00 - 16:45
Session 2 · Resilient Skies: Air Service Providers
From survival to sustainability: strengthening the business case for humanitarian aviation. Moderator: Costa Vouros (Air-Tec Global). Presentations by Ismael Rhissa Zakary (Pratt & Whitney Canada), Charlie Goldsmith (Windracers), Costa Vouros (Air-Tec Global, "Specialized Pilot CBTA for Humanitarian Aviation"), Maurice Juma (748 Air Services, "Beyond Compliance: Investing in Systems for Safer Humanitarian Aviation") and Mudassir Khan (ALS Limited, on pilot experience hours), followed by a panel discussion with Githae Mwaniki (Renegade Air), Graham Speller (DJA Aviation) and Zewdu Aregawi (ICAO). Includes a networking and coffee break, 15:00 - 15:45.
16:45 - 17:00
Day 1 wrap-up
Kaval Shah (Pratt & Whitney Canada), event moderator.
19:30 - 22:30
Conference dinner
Serene Beach Resort & Spa.
Day 2: Thursday 15 October 2026
09:00 - 09:15
Day 1 overview and introductory video
Kaval Shah (Pratt & Whitney Canada).
09:15 - 12:30
Session 3 · Advancing Opportunities and Excellence in Humanitarian Aviation
Moderator: Barry Koperberg (Wings for Aid). Presentations by Bob Guo (GDAT, "Let Hope Arrive Faster: GDAT’s Solution for More Efficient and Rapid Humanitarian Aviation"), Dr. Alex Gesure (KCAA, "Aircraft Ageing and Continuing Airworthiness: Managing Maintenance, Reliability and Safety Throughout the Aircraft Life Cycle") and Adnan Al Takrouri (Jordan Aviation), followed by a panel discussion with Winfred Hope Mwamburi (Dragonfly Aviation). Includes a networking and coffee break, 10:30 - 11:15.
12:30 - 13:45
Networking and lunch break
13:45 - 16:30
Session 4 · Innovation and Technology Supporting Humanitarian Aviation Operations
Moderator: Charlie Goldsmith (Windracers). Presentations by Yvette Lawrenson and Nigel Day (Windracers), Manuel Munari (International Rescue Team), Mary Keter (KCAA) and Anand Samuel (Aeroinsight, "From Crewed Wings to Unmanned Horizons"), followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Franklyn Frimpong and Barry Koperberg (Wings for Aid). Includes a networking and coffee break, 15:00 - 15:45.
16:30 - 17:00
Day 2 wrap-up and conference outcomes
The main points discussed, presented by Kaval Shah (Pratt & Whitney Canada).
Day 3: Friday 16 October 2026
09:00 - 12:30
Session 5 · Critical Aviation Safety Challenges in Humanitarian Operations
Facilitated by industry experts with Fabien Bonnassie and Bakoniaina Rakotoniony (WFP), to strengthen collective safety awareness, share operational experience and lessons learned, and identify practical measures to reduce risk. Topics: near mid-air collision (NMAC) occurrences; lithium battery fire risks (Mary Keter, KCAA); airspace deconfliction in conflict-affected environments (Adnan Al Takrouri, Jordan Aviation); and an open discussion on effective risk controls. Includes a networking and coffee break, 10:30 - 11:15.
12:30 - 13:45
Networking and lunch break
Speakers
The voices on the podium
Event moderator
Resilient Skies: Humanitarian Aviation Organizations
Resilient Skies: Air Service Providers
Graham SpellerDJA Aviation
Zewdu AregawiICAO
Advancing Opportunities and Excellence in Humanitarian Aviation
Innovation and Technology Supporting Humanitarian Aviation Operations
Critical Aviation Safety Challenges in Humanitarian Operations
Kaval Shah is an aviation professional and commercial strategist with more than 25 years of experience in the global aircraft engine industry. Currently with Pratt & Whitney Canada, he serves as Regional Sales Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa alongside a strategic Sales & Marketing role across EMEA.
Born in Nairobi and having built an international career spanning Africa, Europe and North America, Kaval brings an engineer's foundation, extensive commercial experience and a deep connection to African aviation. His first-hand exposure to operators supporting humanitarian missions gives him a practical and human perspective on the role aviation plays in connecting communities and delivering critical support where it is needed most.
Daniel Juzi is a humanitarian disaster response and safety and security specialist working for Swiss Government Development. He is still active as a pilot and lectures on topics around crisis, safety and security management.
Growing up in South East Asia, Daniel completed his undergraduate studies in the USA and graduate studies at City University in London. Daniel has spent his career flying in fragile contexts, starting out in Africa, then spending 20 years in Afghanistan and in various humanitarian disasters.
Daniel has specialized in helping organizations understand anthropological issues around safety management through finding contextual solutions. Various organizations have also asked for help to develop their crisis management or Daniel has been asked to support them in a real crisis.
Daniel is available for lectures, workshops, or consultations.
Oleh is the Head of UNHAS South Sudan, overseeing the World Food Programme's largest field aviation operation. With over 20 years of experience in air transport and logistics, he leads a network that serves more than 40 destinations across South Sudan and supports nearly 200 humanitarian organizations. His work ensures critical last-mile access for aid delivery in some of the most remote and challenging environments.
Oleh began his career in commercial aviation in Ukraine in 1999 and joined WFP in 2007 as a UNHAS Officer in Nyala, Sudan. He has since held various leadership roles within WFP Aviation and Logistics, including assignments in Ethiopia, Uganda, and WFP Headquarters.
He holds a degree in Aviation Management from the State Flight Academy of Ukraine, has prior flight experience, and has completed extensive professional training in aviation and supply chain management.
Mohamed Chakib is an aviation safety professional with more than 28 years of international experience in aviation safety, safety management, accident and incident investigation, and regulatory oversight.
He recently rejoined the WFP, where he leads the WFP Regional Aviation Safety Office in Sharjah, supporting the safety of humanitarian air operations across challenging and complex operating environments.
Prior to joining WFP, Mohamed served as Regional Officer, Safety Implementation at the ICAO Middle East Regional Office, supporting States in strengthening their safety oversight systems, State Safety Programmes (SSP), National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP), implementation support, and regional aviation safety initiatives. His international career also includes aviation safety roles with Royal Moroccan Air Forces, United Nations Peacekeeping missions, and WFP.
Mohamed is a qualified ICAO State Safety Programme instructor and USOAP auditor in Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG). He holds a Master's degree in Air Transport Management from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, and regularly contributes his experience to international aviation conferences, seminars and capacity-building activities.
Dave is PACTEC International President, working with programs in Central and Southeast Asia. He is a commercial pilot and aircraft mechanic and has worked with PACTEC and a partner organization for over 30 years. Dave has flown in Ecuador, Haiti, Tajikistan, and the USA and been involved in operational and personnel management for the majority of his career.
In Eurasia, PACTEC currently operates four turbine aircraft in Afghanistan as well as a flight school and aviation English program in Laos. PACTEC works with humanitarian partners to alleviate suffering and bring help, hope, and healing through aviation operations and training.
Capt. Immaculate Apolot is a current Regional Flight Operations Officer with the ICAO Eastern and Southern African Office (ESAF) and a seasoned aviation professional with more than 26 years of experience in airline operations, aviation regulation, and safety oversight.
A licensed Airline Transport Pilot with extensive operational flying experience, she has held senior regulatory and oversight positions with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority and served for 9 years in a managerial role at the East African Community Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (EAC-CASSOA), the ESAF Regional Safety Oversight Organization (RSOO). She has extensive experience supporting African States in strengthening flight operations oversight, enhancing compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices and improving aviation safety performance across the region.
Michel Schaffner was Head of Air Operations at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and he is now Air Operations Manager for Somalia based in Nairobi, overseeing humanitarian airlift and aviation logistics in conflict zones and remote areas. He leads complex flight operations using planes and helicopters to deliver life-saving aid and support field missions. A recognized expert on humanitarian aviation challenges, he focuses on remote-area access, security risk management, and compliance with international standards. Michel regularly speaks at global forums, including the Global Humanitarian Aviation Conference, on enabling safe, efficient, and principled air operations in crisis settings.
Mr. Bodo is currently the Acting Director General of the Authority having been appointed in April, 2026. Prior to appointment to the current position, Mr. Bodo served as the Director of Air Transport at the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development (SDAAD), Ministry of Roads and Transport and Alternate Board Director representing the Principal Secretary SDAAD.
Mr. Bodo is a seasoned public servant with over 25 years of experience in the aviation sector, he has held several senior leadership positions, including acting Managing Director/CEO of Kenya Airports Authority, and Director of Air Transport. He has also served on various government and aviation sector boards, including Kenya Airways PLC. Mr. Bodo holds degrees in Arts and Business Administration, is a Certified Public Secretary (K), and has specialized qualifications in aviation management and air law. He is widely recognized for his strategic leadership and extensive contribution to Kenya's aviation industry.
Captain Vouros is qualified on a number of large Jet Aircraft types including the Boeing 737 series and Airbus Series aircraft as Captain, Instructor and TRI/TRE, with a total of approximately 60 different aircraft on his license.
He has held a number of Senior Managerial and Executive positions in the Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Airline Industry, with extensive Humanitarian Operational experience and is a qualified IOSA auditor and former IATA IOSA Committee Member in Montreal.
In addition to this, Captain Vouros holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and is currently the Chief Operating Officer, for the Air-Tec Global Group.
Ismael Rhissa Zakary is responsible for the development of long-range business objectives and strategic plans for Pratt and Whitney Canada. His role encompasses identifying and developing Pratt & Whitney Canada new services in Europe, Africa and Middle-east as well as leading range of Aftermarket support activities.
Ismael holds a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) in strategy from Queen's University, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) and a Post Graduate degree in Finance and Treasury from McGill University.
Charlie Goldsmith has been in Africa twenty years. Having worked in rail and aviation in Europe, he came to South Sudan in 2006 to lead church school projects, and lived there until Independence in 2011, leading national-scale systems implementation in education and public financial management.
In 2011 he established CGA Technologies, taking these approaches to countries including Sierra Leone, Somalia, CAR, Malawi and Ukraine. Lutheran World Relief of the United States acquired the company in 2019, Charlie continuing as MD.
Charlie joined Windracers in 2022, and, from Lusaka, leads for them on humanitarian and global development use case development.
Maurice Juma is the Head of Quality and Safety at 748 Air Services, a position he has held since 2020. With over 13 years of experience in Quality and Safety spheres, he specializes in Safety and Quality Management Systems. He holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Aviation, IATA Diplomas in both Safety and Quality Management, and is a qualified LOSA Instructor. He is also a PPL holder pursuing his CPL.
Mudassir Khan, based in Nairobi County, Kenya, is currently a Chief Pilot at ALS Limited. Mudassir brings experience from previous roles at ALS Limited and Safarilink Aviation. He holds a Commercial Pilot License (Airline, Commercial and Professional Pilot and Flight Crew, 2011 to 2013) from the Kenya School of Flying.
Eng. Githae Mwaniki is an aviation professional with a wide range of qualifications, skills and experience spanning 19 years in the Aviation industry. He holds a Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (Airframes and Engines option), is an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering License holder and has a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Aviation Management.
He has served in various roles in aircraft maintenance including serving as a technician, maintenance planning and quality management for a wide range of Air Operators and ATOs in Kenya and Tanzania. He has also served as an aviation writer for leading African aviation publications and as Senior Consultant with Aviation Information Consultants, advising on certification compliance and air law, and is an Air Transport Specialist.
Barry specialised in public/private partnerships and industrial turnaround projects. He builds practical, principled approaches to complex problems. At times, this challenges existing frameworks and urges stakeholders to adopt new perspectives. His drive is toward an inclusive world; hence the Wings for Aid logistics motto, "reaching people anywhere".
Bob Guo brings more than 20 years of comprehensive experience across the aviation industry.
He previously held key leadership roles as Accountable Manager for GDAT MRO and General Manager of GDAT General Aviation Company, and has accumulated extensive hands-on expertise in helicopter operations and MRO management.
As VP of GDAT Group, Bob Guo will leverage Chinese operational know-how for WFP humanitarian aviation missions, helping deliver faster, more efficient humanitarian aviation services.
Deputy Director of Airworthiness at the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) with over 20 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, airworthiness oversight, and aviation safety regulation. An aeronautical engineer, lecturer, researcher, and author of Beyond Blame: A Systems Approach to Aviation Safety Management, he is a strong advocate for aviation education, safety management, and industry-academia collaboration, with expertise in continuing airworthiness, ageing aircraft, and aviation safety.
Adnan Hafez Amin Altakrouri is a distinguished aviation operations leader and senior flight safety expert with more than 40 years of international experience in commercial, executive, charter, peacekeeping, and high-risk aviation operations. He has accumulated over 21,700 flight hours across wide-body, narrow-body, and regional aircraft.
Currently serving as Head of Flight Operations (Post Holder) at Jordan Aviation, Mr. Altakrouri is responsible for flight safety, regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and coordination of complex international air transport missions. His career includes senior leadership roles with Royal Jordanian Airlines, including Head of Flight Operations and Director of Quality and Standards, as well as experience in medical evacuation, VIP airlift, and operations in conflict and austere environments.
He has also contributed to regional aviation safety through IATA's RASG-MID, supporting safety-data analysis and regional risk assessment.
Winfred Hope Mwamburi, MRAeS, is a licensed aircraft engineer and aviation safety professional with over 15 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, airworthiness, safety management, and regulatory compliance. She serves as Head of Safety at Dragonfly Aviation Limited and has held senior aviation leadership roles. Currently pursuing an MSc in Airworthiness at Cranfield University, Winfred is also a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and serves on committees supporting humanitarian aviation safety, mentorship, and professional development for women in aviation maintenance.
Yvette Lawrenson is the Regulatory Lead at Windracers Ltd, where she ensures compliance for autonomous cargo drone operations across challenging regions like Antarctica and Africa. A qualified Ground Control Operator, she combines hands-on expertise with regulatory leadership and has been featured in industry panels and podcasts for her contributions to aviation innovation.
Nigel works with partners to introduce autonomous heavy-lift aircraft into humanitarian, commercial and government operations. A former UK military and commercial helicopter pilot with more than 35 years' aviation experience and over 9,000 flying hours across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America, Nigel has led complex operations in demanding environments, including a UN Ebola medevac mission in Guinea and emergency response to wildfires and floods in North America. He now focuses on delivering safe, practical and sustainable autonomous logistics solutions that improve access and resilience across Africa.
Manuel Munari is an aviation executive, helicopter rescue pilot and flight instructor with over 26 years of international experience. He serves as Chief Operating Officer of IRT (International Rescue Team) and Managing Director of AviA MEA. Through the organisations he leads, he conducts and coordinates humanitarian, high-altitude search and rescue, and emergency-response activities across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, including recent operations in Nepal, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. Through AviA MEA, he has also contributed to developing EASA-standard aviation training in the Middle East.
With a Master of Science in Aviation and Transportation from Lewis University in Chicago, USA, Mary brings a rich blend of local and global expertise to her role as Director of Aviation Safety and Security Regulation.
Her track record includes her tenure as the former Manager of the Airworthiness Department, a key contributor to the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Expert Working Group on Airworthiness, and the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) National Coordinator for Kenya.
Mr. Anand Samuel is a Manned and Unmanned Aviation subject matter expert with over 30 years of international leadership experience across military, commercial aviation, United Nations humanitarian missions, and the oil and gas industry. He specializes in aviation safety, security, UAS and Counter-UAS operations, regulatory compliance, Safety Management Systems (SMS), emergency response, and critical infrastructure protection. Mr. Samuel has successfully established and commissioned manned and unmanned aviation operations, developed regulatory-compliant frameworks aligned with ICAO, EASA, FAA, BARS, and IOGP standards, and led multidisciplinary teams across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Dr. Franklyn Frimpong is an accomplished aviation leader with over 30 years of experience. Until July 2026, he served as the Director of Aviation Services at the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Rome, overseeing global operations including the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS). He has led complex air transport operations in Kenya, South Sudan, Indonesia, Sudan, and Chad.
Dr. Frimpong holds a PhD in Business Management and an MBA; he is a Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT). He is a former Air Force pilot and enjoys golfing.
Fabien Bonnassie is an aviation safety and risk management professional with over 30 years of international experience across the aerospace and humanitarian aviation sectors. His background spans aircraft engineering, operational safety, accident investigation, and risk management. He has worked with Thales, Embraer, Airbus Defense and Space, and WFP, supporting aviation safety initiatives in both industry and humanitarian operations. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with ICAO, civil aviation authorities, operators, and international partners on aviation safety, aircraft design, airspace management, and UAS/RPAS matters.
Bakoniaina Rakotoniony serves as Regional Aviation Safety Officer with the World Food Programme (WFP) based in Nairobi, Kenya. She leads and supports aviation safety oversight activities across the region, specializing in operator evaluations, regulatory compliance, Safety Management Systems, risk management, and capacity building. With extensive experience in aviation safety oversight, regulatory compliance, and operator surveillance, she works closely with operators, regulators, and international stakeholders to strengthen safety performance, enhance oversight capabilities, and advance the implementation of international aviation standards in support of safe and effective humanitarian air operations.
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