1. Overview:

WFP is currently operating two distinct air operations on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the Humanitarian Community in Somalia:

1. UNCAS: Passenger and parcel flights both from Nairobi to South/Central, North East, and North West Somalia, and within Somalia. This is an ongoing operation
2. UNHAS: Cargo flights from Nairobi to locations in South/Central Somalia, and helicopter cargo flights within South/Central Somalia. This is a three month operation (November 2006 - February 2007) linked to the current flood response

The below information relates to the utilisation of UNHAS cargo services. UNCAS passenger and parcel flight information is outlined in a separate document.

2. Prioritisation:

In order to ensure as equitable a use of the UNHAS air assets as possible, WFP/UNHAS has requested the Somalia UN Country Team to provide a policy on the prioritisation of cargo movements within the framework of which UNHAS can process incoming cargo requests. The request to the Country Team asked for a policy outlining:

1. Flood affected regions/districts of South/Central Somalia listed by priority, and
2. For each of the above a priority for different types of relief goods that may be transported (e.g. medicine, food, shelter items, etc)

While awaiting the issuance of the requested policy, UNHAS will prioritise requests on a first come first served basis.

3. Agency Projections of Requests for UNHAS Flights:

To assist UNHAS in planning the optimum deployment and utilisation of assets, Agencies and NGOs have been asked to complete a Projection form (see below) outlining, for the whole period of the UNHAS operation (November 2006 - February 2007), what cargo they will wish to have moved by UNHAS flight. One Projection form should be completed per Agency/NGO and submitted by email to Chief Air Transport Officer Samson Mwangi (Samson.mwangi@wfp.org) with a copy to Logistics Assistant Esther Alavha (mailto:Esther.alavha@wfp.org)

4. Standard Booking Procedures:

For Fixed Wing Aircraft Flights ex Nairobi to South/Central Somalia:

1. Fill in the UNHAS Cargo Movement Request (CMR) form (see below)
2. Email the completed CMR form to mail to: Samson.mwangi@wfp.org  with a copy to Esther.Alvaha@wfp.org. The CMR should be emailed at least five working days prior to the requested flight time. PLEASE NOTE: For insurance reasons the aircraft cannot carry passengers - requests should be strictly for the transport of cargo
3. UNHAS shall task air assets in accordance with the UN Country Team policy or, prior to the issuance of the policy, on a first come first served basis
4. Once a priority has been set, UNHAS shall contact the requesting Agency/NGO to instruct them to customs clear the cargo (if not already done) and to transport the cargo to the warehouse of the UNHAS handling agent at JKIA. The handling agent is Swissport. Storage and handling costs at Swissport shall be covered by UNHAS. Transport of cargo to Swissport is on the requesting Agency/NGO's account. DO NOT transport cargo to Swissport unless on the specific instruction of UNHAS. All cargo being transported to Swissport should be clearly labelled with both destination and consignee
5. Once cargo in Swissport has been allocated a flight by UNHAS, UNHAS will inform the requesting Agency/NGO of the flight details. The requesting Agency/NGO will then inform the consignee in order for them to arrange adequate offload capacity at the destination. UNHAS is not responsible for offload of cargo

For Rotary Aircraft Within Somalia Only

1. Fill in the UNHAS Cargo Movement Request (CMR) form (see below)
2. Email the completed CMR form to Samson.mwangi@wfp.org with a copy to mail to: Rune.Joa@wfp.org. The CMR should be emailed at least five working days prior to the requested flight time. PLEASE NOTE: Requests for passenger flights should be put through the UNCAS booking system. If UNCAS are unable to accommodate the request with their existing assets/schedules they will liaise with UNHAS to see if helicopter transport is available (please bear in mind that priority will be given to relief cargo on the helicopters). UNHAS shall process requests in accordance with the UN Country Team prioritization policy or, prior to the issuance of the policy, on a first come first served basis
3. Once a priority has been set, UNHAS shall contact the requesting Agency/NGO to instruct them on the date/time of the flight, and to give instructions as to where and when to position the cargo. For Wajid: No common storage exists and therefore the requesting Agency/NGO should transport the cargo to the airport two hours prior to take off. For Kismayo: cargo should be delivered, upon UNHAS instruction, to the WFP warehouse at Kismayo airport
4. Upon the above notification from UNHAS, the requesting Agency/NGO should contact the consignee to inform them of arrival time and to organise receipt
5. Loading of the cargo will be undertaken by UNHAS, and with no cost to the requesting Agency/NGO
6. Offload of the helicopter at the destination is the responsibility of the consignee