About Us
Mercy Air is a Christian-NGO registered as non profit company (NPC) in South Africa. Since 1991, Mercy Air has been providing aviation services to humanitarian and mission organisations throughout southern Africa. We are based in White River, South Africa. Our international offices include South Africa, United States, Switzerland, and Germany.
Our History
In 1986 Ron & Barbara Wayner were attending a mission school seminar in Texas USA, and heard Don Price (YWAM, SA) talking about his vision of aircraft being used to transport missionaries into war-torn Mozambique, and other surrounding countries.
Inspired by what they heard and following God’s leading, they raised the funds to purchase and rebuild (over 9 months) an old Cessna 180. They left Holland, Michigan, USA on September 5th 1991 and arrived safely in South Africa a number of days later, after flying for 80 hours to ferry the plane across the Atlantic Ocean. YWAM Mission Air later became known as Mercy Air.
Soon the Cessna 180 was replaced by a Cessna 210 and a Beech 18, here shown in its new Mercy Air paint scheme. Ron and John Herbert can be seen doing their pre-flight walk around.
Both aircraft were operated by Mercy Air for about 18 years.
In September 2004, N-MA joined the Mercy Air family which was soon in action bridging the gap between remote airfields and inaccessible villages.
In 2014, Mercy Air added a Quest (Daher) Kodiak 100 to the fleet — a rugged, single-engine turboprop purpose-built for the rough, bush strips we operate from. With seating for up to nine passengers and genuine short-field performance, it has allowed us to continue serving remote communities across the region and is our primary fixed wing aircraft at present.
Vision
That Communities in isolated areas are shown the hope of salvation that is in the love of Jesus Christ.
Mission
Mercy Air facilitates spiritual and physical relief by collaborating with like-minded partner organisations who serve remote communities that are best accessed by air.
Core Values
-
We are called to serve in humility and our identity as Christians leads us to be sensitive to the diverse cultures and faiths of the world. We believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The love, mercy and grace of God are made known to us, and all people through Jesus Christ.
-
We take our accountability seriously, acting ethically and transparently. We strive to be a disciplined organisation in all aspects of our culture and management.
-
Our priority is people, which will be reflected in our relationship with others.
-
We embrace the highest standards of professionalism in all operations, understanding that this requires continually striving to educate and improve ourselves as we carry out our various roles.
-
We respond quickly and efficiently to areas of greatest need, within our logistical and financial capabilities.
-
We acknowledge the cultural differences of the peoples and communities that we serve, without compromising the Word of God.