Joaq UI M (Kim) Canelas
About Joaq UI M (Kim) Canelas
Joaq UI M (Kim) Canelas is an Aviation Officer specializing in aviation safety at the World Food Programme, with a background in public affairs and operations management. He holds double majors in Business Management and Foreign Languages and has extensive experience in aviation safety, having worked in various roles across multiple regions including South Sudan and Sub-Sahara Africa.
Work at World Food Programme
Joaq UI M (Kim) Canelas has been serving as an Aviation Officer in Aviation Safety for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) since 2014. His role involves ensuring compliance with WFP’s Aviation Safety Program, UNAVSTADS, ICAO, and local Civil Aviation regulations. He has been instrumental in conducting safety assessments of airfields, landing pads, and airdrop sites, establishing necessary mitigation measures. Canelas also chairs regular safety meetings with aircraft crews, flight operations staff, and other humanitarian aviation operators to discuss safety protocols and improvements.
Education and Expertise
Canelas holds a double major in Business Management and Foreign Languages from the University of Texas at Austin/San Antonio. He also studied Professional Aeronautics and completed a program in Career Pilot/Aviation Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His educational background equips him with a solid foundation in both aviation management and multilingual communication, enhancing his effectiveness in international aviation safety roles.
Background
Before joining the World Food Programme, Canelas worked in various roles that contributed to his expertise in aviation safety and public relations. He served as a Public Affairs/Public Relations Officer for the Texas Army National Guard from 1987 to 1990. Later, he held the position of Director of Operations for Indoor Residual Spraying at RTI International from 2005 to 2008, where he operated in Washington DC and Nairobi, Sub-Sahara Africa. His diverse experiences have shaped his career in aviation safety.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Canelas has made significant contributions to aviation safety. He has published aviation information and safety notices, ensuring that critical safety information is disseminated effectively. He has also ensured that the Aviation Emergency Response Plan is current and has conducted drills in accordance with standard operating procedures. His commitment to safety is reflected in his thorough review of crew and aircraft documentation to ensure adherence to WFP safety standards.