Two mothers from Suai set out on their first flight aboard an MAF plane, sharing their reactions from the trip.
Covalima Municipality is in southwestern Timor-Leste, where people usually use buses and other transportation, such as cars and motorbikes, to travel all the way to the capital Dili.
However, travelling on roads in poor condition could take eight hours, leaving passengers feeling exhausted.
Angelina Clau da Silva, a young mother from Zumalai, Suai, in the Covalima Municipality, described the experience of travelling by bus with her eight-month-old daughter, Genoveva Clau, to visit their family in Dili.
“We felt really exhausted after travelling from Suai to Dili, which took us eight hours on a road trip,” said Mrs Silva.
“We want to get back to Suai quickly to save time on the trip and avoid feeling unwell and tired after travelling.
“So, we decided to travel back with an MAF plane, as it would be our first-time experiencing air transport.”
In Timor-Leste, it’s rare for people to take flights so there’s naturally some fear of the unknown, but Mrs Silva said she preferred the MAF shuttle service.
“This is my first-time flight experience, but I’m not afraid and very excited,” she added.
“Travelling with an MAF plane brought us to Suai quickly and saved us time!”
Veronica Madalena Amaral, who was also joining the flight from Dili to Suai with her little nine-month-old daughter, Eizel Maia Amaral, explained how flying is important for them.
“Normally, we travel by bus and feel worn out and unwell after spending long hours on the road, especially when travelling through poor road conditions,” she said.
They came by bus from Suai to spend their holiday time visiting family in Dili. But that eight-hour road trip is difficult with a baby, and she didn’t want to do that again on the way home.
“We want to travel with MAF’s plane because it will get us there quickly and save us time. Travelling by bus would take eight hours and involve poor road conditions,” Mrs Amaral added.
“This is my first time flying in an aeroplane. I feel a bit scared, but I believe that it is safe.”
I feel a bit scared, but I believe that it is safe.
Captain Lungpinglak Domtta, an MAF pilot who flew these passengers from the capital Dili to Suai, explained the reason for MAF expanding its domestic flight schedule in Timor-Leste.
“When MAF started here in 2007, we were primarily flying medevac missions in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, as well as charter flights for NGOs,” said Captain Ping.
“As time progressed, we wanted to find ways to help more people and the community. Chartering a flight means they must charter a whole plane, which can be more expensive.
“By introducing a shuttle, they can simply pay for a seat to come to Dili, similar to how they would pay for a seat on a bus.
“If they travel by bus from Suai to Dili, it will cost them $15 and take eight hours on road. But, travelling with an MAF plane will cost them $40, with a flight duration of just 30 minutes, which saves them more time.
“Our main idea is to support the community in making their transportation safe, reliable, and efficient while saving time.”