By Lincoln H. Dalieh
MONROVIA: Signs are that Liberia’s struggling aviation sector is attracting some interest from the country’s development partners, evidenced by the joint visit to the Roberts International Airport to engage the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) and the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), key national superintendents of the sector.
On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, both institutions jointly hosted the diplomatic corps from the US embassy, European Union and Brussels Airlines that emphasized collaboration in advancing the RIA’s infrastructure and operational efficacy.
The meeting, held at the RIA conference room, underscored mutual commitments towards achieving international compliance and enhancing safety and security measures.
Many observers believe the engagement at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) with ambassadors from the United States, Sweden, Great Britain, Germany, France, Cameroon, the European Union, and Brussels Airlines marked the beginning of better days for the country’s aviation industry.
This gathering was part of ongoing efforts to bolster conditions and operational standards at Liberia’s primary international airport.
Hon. Julius D. Dennis Jr., Managing Director of the LCAA, emphasized the pivotal role of the ongoing Roberts International Airport rehabilitation and redevelopment project.
“The airport’s non-compliance issues identified in the 2022 audit highlighted critical deficiencies,” he stated. “Our immediate focus is on rectifying these discrepancies and implementing mitigating measures to ensure the airport meets international standards.”
The ambassadors’ visit, according to a release, served as a follow-up to their previous inspection three years ago, aiming to assess progress made since their last visit and to discuss future plans for the airport’s development.
The discussions concluded with a comprehensive tour of the airport facilities, providing the diplomats with firsthand insights into the challenges and necessary upgrades.
Director Dennis expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the discussions, noting the constructive exchange of ideas and the partners’ keen interest in addressing the airport’s deficiencies.
“Investment in navigational aids such as ILS, DVOR, and DME is crucial,” he explained. “These outdated systems must be replaced to enhance aircraft operations and ensure safety.”
Acknowledging the financial constraints faced by the Liberian government, Director Dennis highlighted the importance of international partnerships in supplementing local efforts.
He noted: “Airport development is a costly endeavor. We are innovatively leveraging partnerships to complement government allocations and prioritize critical projects.”
The diplomatic community reiterated its commitment to supporting Liberia’s developmental agenda, particularly in enhancing aviation infrastructure critical to economic growth and international connectivity.
Discussions also concluded with a shared optimism for future collaborations aimed at transforming Roberts International Airport into a hub capable of accommodating increased international flights.
As Liberia continues its journey towards aviation compliance and operational excellence, partnerships forged during this visit are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the airport’s future trajectory.