An island business has announced its plans to purchase a humanitarian aircraft as part of its 40 year anniversary celebrations.

AFD Software - otherwise known as ‘the postcode people’ - celebrated 40 years of business at its annual charity event last night at the Mountain View Innovation Centre in Ramsey.

The event was attended by staff members, charity leaders and community representatives, including Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, Lady Lorimer and President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly.

In addition to celebrating 40 years, AFD Software Ltd also celebrated being named ‘Business of the Year 2023’ at the Media Isle of Man Awards for Excellence earlier this month.

During the evening, AFD Software announced its plans to purchase the £2 million ‘Cessna 208 Caravan’ aircraft, which will be a gift to the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) - the world’s largest humanitarian air service.

The Cessna 208 will be the second light aircraft AFD Software has donated to MAF. It follows the gift of a Kodiak aeroplane (now registered PK-MEB) which was purchased after the company celebrated its 25 year anniversary in 2008

A spokesperson from AFD said: ‘As a Unesco Biosphere award winner, the AFD Team are pleased that the new Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft, in addition to carrying life’s essentials, will also facilitate green initiatives in Papa New Guinea’s far-flung villages.

‘These are set to include transporting solar panels for bush clinics and establishing Wi-Fi connections through MAF’s technology services, which enable health clinics, local businesses and communities to thrive and become less reliant on petrol-generated power.’

The gift of this new aircraft was in addition to over £1 million of donations from AFD Software to over 80 staff-nominated charities celebrated during the charity evening.

Managing Director of AFD Software, David Dorricott, said: ‘It has been a privilege to partner with MAF for decades.

‘We know that this investment will save lives, and transform the quality of life for thousands in remote communities.

‘What better way to celebrate such a landmark in our business?’

MAF’s CEO Donovan Palmer attended the 40th anniversary event, and he presented AFD Software with a symbolic blueprint sketch of a Cessna 208 aircraft.

Mr Palmer said: ‘It is overwhelming to be chosen by AFD Software as their main partner charity this year to celebrate their anniversary. We admire them as innovators, collaborators and are so grateful to be considered friends.’