LCAA Seeks US$6.85 Million to Address Aviation Safety Gaps

The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) says it needs US$6.85 million to address critical gaps in aviation safety oversight, technical staffing, infrastructure, and international compliance as it works to strengthen Liberia’s aviation sector.

LCAA Director General Hon. Julius D. Dennis Jr. presented the agency’s priorities during the Executive Budget Hearing at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning on Monday, October 12, arguing that greater investment is necessary to improve aviation safety and support economic development.

“When you put all of that together, what we need to jumpstart the CAA in reality, just to be at the bare bottom, $6.85 million,” Dennis told members of the National Budget Committee.

He said the Authority was working to address safety concerns identified during a 2022 audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), including problems involving navigational equipment and aircraft approach procedures.

Dennis said most of the major safety concerns had been addressed, while training for aviation inspectors and other corrective measures remained ongoing.

The Director General also identified a shortage of specialized personnel, including flight operations inspectors, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers, and aerodrome safety auditors, as a major challenge facing the Authority.

He said training one airworthiness inspector costs nearly US$50,000, underscoring the financial demands involved in developing the technical workforce needed to regulate the aviation sector.

The Authority is also seeking support to improve its headquarters, which Dennis said had been found unsuitable during the 2022 audit because of poor working conditions and inadequate facilities.

Beyond safety and infrastructure, the LCAA is working to reestablish Liberia’s aircraft registry, which Dennis said was decommissioned after the civil war. He argued that restoring the registry could help attract more airlines and support plans to revive Air Liberia.

Dennis said the Authority had developed a five-year strategic plan and a 20-year long-term plan to guide improvements in aviation regulation, staff training, and institutional capacity.

He also projected that a stronger aviation sector could create employment opportunities in areas such as air traffic control, ground handling, aircraft maintenance, tourism, logistics, and freight services.

The Director General disclosed that the Authority carries legacy debts of nearly US$2.5 million, including outstanding obligations to international aviation organizations. He said these debts limit the country’s ability to participate fully in international aviation activities.

During questioning, Dennis said the Authority’s main source of income is an Aviation Development Fund fee of US$35 per outgoing passenger.

“For now, nothing comes to the central government,” he said, explaining that the Authority retains the funds to support its operations and staffing.

He added that government had previously provided a subsidy to help meet payroll costs, while the Authority continued to invest in training and other efforts to address aviation safety requirements.

Dennis also asked the government to provide US$70,000 ahead of an upcoming aviation conference in Montreal, saying the support would help Liberia maintain its voting rights in international aviation discussions.

The budget hearing forms part of the government’s review of institutional achievements, challenges, and funding proposals ahead of the 2027 national budget.

The amount ultimately allocated to the Authority will depend on the government’s revenue outlook and competing demands from other public institutions.