The Middle East Business Aviation Association is showing its support for the United Nations World Food Programme by supporting the Fourth Global Humanitarian Aviation Conference in Jordan, while promoting business aviation as a critical component in the supply chain that delivers food to people in territories where no other form of transport has access.

Presented by the World Food Programme, the event has government backing from the UAE and Jordan, ICAO, the Flight Safety Foundation and the respective national and international aviation authorities, joining together to discuss how aviation can help eradicate world hunger.

The event offers a platform to debate programmes and projects related to aircraft certification, maintenance, operations, training, and aviation safety.

Speaking about the partnership Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi, founding chairman of MEBAA, says: "Business aviation is not generally associated with its humanitarian efforts, as it goes about playing a silent but incredibly significant role. Our members' aircraft can often provide the fastest way to deliver humanitarian assistance during emergencies caused either by man-made or natural disasters. Coupled with this is the importance of aviation safety in order to avoid any accidents that may add further stress to what could already be considered as volatile situations.

"So for MEBAA, the Global Humanitarian Aviation Conference is the perfect platform to promote our members' value and expertise in humanitarian efforts, and to participate in on-going dialogue regarding aviation safety globally." The conference also gave a platform for the first Humanitarian Aviation Awards Ceremony organised by the WFP. The award categories are 'The humanitarian leadership award', 'The aviation safety advocacy award' and 'Humanitarian aviation safety supporting partner recognition'.

These symbolic awards will be presented to an individual or organisation within the aviation industry that has excelled in contribution towards a humanitarian cause.