Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Fly with us and meet some of our passengers as we travel from Timor-Leste's capital, Dili, to Suai on the southern coast. The journey by air takes only 35 minutes, compared with up to 8 hours by road.
Photo essay by Matt Painter
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
It's another morning at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili. Ground crew and Safety Officer Andreas Caetano answers a phone call whilst preparing the aircraft for flight.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Maria Delfina dos Santos checks in with her son Ahzrel Jules dos Santos Gomes. “We want to fly on MAF’s planes because it will take us less time than travelling by car, which normally causes us car sickness,” said Mrs Santos.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in Timor-Leste operates the eight seat GippsAero GA8 Airvan. With its large windows, it is an ideal platform from which to view Timor-Leste's stunning scenery.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Airborne, the flight departs over Dili's picturesque foreshore. The shuttle service operates daily to connect eight different district centres to the capital city.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Passenger Lobitos Alves takes a photo of Dili during departure.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Overhead Liquiçá, the flight turns inland and begins the climb over Timor's mountainous central region. Unlike the winding roads that ascend the steep mountains, the aeroplane's track is relatively direct.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
As the flight stops in at Maliana, passengers get a view of extensive rice paddies and their mark on the landscape.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Maliana, Bobonaro, Timor-Leste. The airstrip, served by MAF three times a week, is clearly seen in the centre of the community.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Climbing out of Maliana, the flight takes in spectacular mountain scenery as it crosses the central cordillera of the island. Passengers are spared the ordeal of a drawn-out road journey as they look down on the many bends in the road below.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
As the flight descends towards the destination of Suai, passengers get a stark reminder of the challenges and limitations of road travel.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Captain Nick Hitchins lines up the aircraft on final approach to the coastal city of Suai.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
On the ground in Suai, another journey begins as Frederica Gusmão with her son, Nixon Gusmão, prepare to board the flight to Dili. MAF operates the only scheduled domestic services in Timor-Leste.
We prefer travelling by MAF planes because it takes us a short period of time and allows us to enjoy the beautiful sights of the island of Timor-Leste
Frederica Gusmão
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Captain Joe Farren chats with Frederica and Nixon before boarding in Suai.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
After boarding, Nixon's mother provides him with a treat for the flight.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Airborne once again, the coastline around Suai yields more enticing views
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Nixon's mother places a comforting hand on his during the flight. His attention is fully occupied by the view, and his in-flight treat remains unopened.
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
On the shuttle flight's return to Dili, passengers are treated to the vivid colours of the reef.
I'm travelling with my baby boy, so I prefer using MAF planes to avoid vomiting. MAF's domestic flight service helps us a lot.
Maria Delfina dos Santos
Image
Photo: Matt Painter
Frederica and Nixon disembark in Dili after their stay in Suai, where Nixon's father works with the police. “I was happy because it took us 35 minutes, but travelling by car could take eight hours on a road trip," she said.