Aviation enthusiast Sam Chui has embarked on a profound journey to document the vital role of air transport in South Sudan, the world’s youngest and poorest nation. Collaborating with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), Chui’s mission provides a rare glimpse into the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), which serves as a "critical lifeline" in a country where conflict and a lack of infrastructure render roads and waterways unusable. The journey began with a flight from Nairobi, Kenya, where an unexpected upgrade to a Boeing 737-800 offered a high-altitude view of the Great Rift Valley and Mount Kenya before the crew navigated a high-workload arrival into Juba International Airport. Chui observed firsthand the technical challenges of flying in the region, including sudden runway reassignments that required the aircraft to enter holding patterns to lose altitude.
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Once on the ground, Chui highlighted the stark contrast between the modern transit experience and the operational realities of a nation that gained independence only in 2011. With the assistance of the UN, he secured rare media permits to film in a highly restricted security environment, documenting a bustling airport filled with humanitarian aircraft. His reporting underscores that South Sudan is the largest single theater of operations for UNHAS, moving approximately 200 humanitarian workers daily, including doctors and nutritionists, to remote "deep fields". Through his lens, audiences see the specialized utility of aircraft like the Twin Otter, which can land on grass strips in the bush—a necessity for veteran pilots who have spent four decades navigating Africa’s "tough" environments.
The challenges Chui observed are immense, ranging from uncontrolled airspace and extreme heat to primitive infrastructure where passenger waiting areas are mere tents. Evidence of past accidents and abandoned aircraft litter the airfields, serving as a grim reminder of the risks involved in these missions. Despite these hurdles, Chui’s production captures the dedication of those operating in the "bush," emphasizing that when no other path exists, aviation remains the only hope for delivering life-saving food and medical assistance to millions. His work brings necessary attention to the "deep fields" of humanitarian efforts that are typically shielded from public view.
