Over 65 years ago, Raptim pioneered the world of humanitarian travel by air. At a time when ships were the only means of traveling to developing countries, their founders chartered a Dakota to fly missionaries from Amsterdam to Entebbe. Thanks to Raptim’s vision, humanitarian travel would change forever.
On 8 October 1947, that famous first plane departed from Amsterdam. On board were fifteen missionaries headed for Uganda. It soon turned out that air travel was far faster and cheaper than ships. And perhaps most importantly, the time and money the missionaries saved could be reinvested in their work in Africa. More flights soon followed.
Two years later, Raptim was founded. Monthly charter flights to Africa were quickly established – followed by regular charter flights to Asia in 1966. A network of specialized travel agents was set up to handle global operations.
In the meantime, they started offering their services to an expanding group of travelers, always keeping in mind the social and humanitarian objectives that had inspired their founders.
From the 1970s onwards, their passengers started coming to them with more specific needs. They needed more services than their pre-scheduled charter flights could offer. So they turned to the leading airlines for greater variety and flexibility.
After negotiating special agreements, Raptim became the only organization to offer humanitarian rates for scheduled flights. That way, they could continue guaranteeing our humanitarian travelers lower fares, so more of their funds could go towards helping others.
With their exclusive negotiated flexible fares and dedication to serving those who serve the world, Raptim grew into a leader in the field of humanitarian travel. However, their independent offices around the globe worked under a variety of names – Raptim Travel, MTS, Multatuli Travel, Menno Travel, McTavish and Jet Travel.
As they celebrated their 65th anniversary, they made the decision to unite – as one organization under one name.
Today, they are Raptim Humanitarian Travel. Together, they have renewed their dedication and focus on the complex – and at times, very urgent – travel needs of humanitarian travelers. Including NGOs, charitable and faith-based organizations, aid workers and volunteers.
Because they believe that their world is a better place when caring and compassionate people can travel where they are needed most. Once they were the pioneers of humanitarian travel. Now, with all their offices working together as one, Raptim looks forward to continuing to help the people who help their world.
