Luca Palermo Email and Phone Number

I was responsible for the emergency air operations for the Highlands Emergency Response activated on 07 April 2018 in Papua New Guinea. I led a team of 2 Officers to ensure the provision of safe, economical, efficient and effective air transportation. I advised the Regional Emergency Response Coordinator on the design of a scheduled flight service for 4 helicopters to deliver 320 tonnes of food. The design was a result of my analysis of the route structures, aircraft payload, cargo traffic statistics and viability of routes. I liaised with regional and country aviation authorities.

Directly organize and oversee the UNHAS DRC’s air operations in consultation with the Deputy CATO for Operations, including the management of a UNHCR dedicated aircraft, ASF-F operation. Directly supervise a team of 15 staff, and 40 staff indirectly. Advise user organizations on matter relating to aircraft operations. Coordinate and with UN DPKO and provide technical support, liase with local aviation authorities and manage the implementation of the MoU with the RVA (Airports Directory), contracts for the use of space and handling at each UNHAS’s antenna airports and all clearances obtained through the Delegation General MoFA. Focal point for NGO air service providers. Responsible for the supervision of all flights from operating base including handling documents and load control, passenger and baggage, cargo and aircraft handling, and loading/ unloading the aircraft. Safety and quality assurance management. Conduct acceptance into Operational Service Inspections (AOSI) on aircraft. Follow up on aircraft utilization trends and advise ATO and CATO on peak/lean performance and necessary schedule adjustments. Supervisor to the air movement cell.

Set up and established the first official UAV concept of operation for UN WFP. Drafted a comprehensive feasibility and market study. Key focal point of interagency collaboration on UAV use in humanitarian context. In country support for UAV usage provided to WFP Jordan country office. Emergency Logistic Training (ELT) Facilitator for a UN interagency and NGO training managed by UN WFP logistic cluster team. Managing a portfolio of ten international air carriers deployed for UNHAS worldwide. Acting as focal point for UNHAS fleet in the field as well as focal point for ad hoc cargo flights as common services provided for UN agencies/ INGOs. Contract administration including renewal and vetting of potential operators using a request of quotation system and online vetting tool. Quality control for fleet usage and KPI’s.

Currently responsible for logistics and operational execution of a $28 million UN humanitarian air operation, which includes five aircrafts and one helicopter flying to 22 locations around the DRC. Directly responsible for management and oversight of ten staff. Responsible for airport management and operations in all airports throughout the DRC. Safety focal point for WFP, DRC. UN humanitarian coordinator for air support during the Ebola crisis from August to November 2014. Emergency response plan coordinator for United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS),

Responsible for airspace and airport operational execution of a $100 million humanitarian air service including 12 aircrafts and 5 helicopters for The World Food Program (WFP) in Malakal, South Sudan. Satellite and radio communication focal point between the department of peacekeeping operations (DPKO) and other UN agencies in South Sudan. Responsible for all logistics relating to fleet and air transport and fuel management including maintenance, safety audits and field comms issues. Supervision of warehouse for UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) including air craft and fleet spare part and fuel trucks. Fully compliant with UN policies and procedures, donor regulations and local laws.

Responsible for operation and flight planning for an executive company. Piloting a jet airplane Sabreliner 65. 350 hours flying time on demand worldwide.Responsible for overseeing the management of the aircraft.

Emphasis on internal and external audits and certifications (ISO 9001 -2008, CMMI, security). Responsible for the security and safety office in Italy and Spain. Purchase office director for the Madrid office

Operating on Boeing 747-200. Responsible for process and quality procedures.Total flight time 600 hours. Flying to; Istanbul, Beijing, Hong Kong, Milan, Tashkent and Bishkek.