Liberia Civil Aviation Authority DG Julius Dennis calls on National government to increase support to the aviation sector

Monrovia, Liberia: The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority has began a week long aviation awareness campaign in Monrovia, the awareness is aimed at providing opportunity for stakeholders to connect and share, and share knowledge, and discuss the future of the aviation sector in Liberia.

                                                                       By: Samuel Johnson

The opening of the aviation awareness program brought together high profile government officials including Minister Mamaka Bility minister of state without profolio who represented President Boakai , Members of the House and Senate Committees on Transportation, Members of the cabinet,  Adefunke Adeyemi, Seeretary General, AFCAC, Madame Jailza Silva, Executive Director, BAGASOO, Mr. Nika Manzie, Deputy Regional Director, WACAF/ICAO, Captain Chris Najomo, Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Ms. Musayeroh Barrie, Director General, Sierra Leone Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Members of the Diplomatic Corps, International Partners and Stakeholders in the aviation sector.

At the opening of the Aviation awareness week at the Ministerial complex in Congo town Monrovia , LCAA Director General Hon. Julius Dennis highlighted the pivotal role of civil aviation in Liberia's economic development agenda and the substantial benefits that a vibrant and thriving aviation sector can deliver. 

The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority Director General said,”Liberia stands at a crucial juncture in its development, with a unique opportunity to transform its economy and enhance its international standing through strategic investment in its aviation sector. Investment in the LCAA acts as a catalyst for economic growth across multiple sectors”. 

LCAA DG Dennis argued that while it’s true that the aviation industry generates direct employment in specialized areas such as aircraft maintenance, ground handling services, and air traffic control, and also indirectly stimulating employment in tourism and related service industries a robustly regulated aviation sector can  attracts foreign direct investment, further stimulating economic development- noting that well-supported LCAA plays an indispensable role in bolstering national security in the aviation sector.

The LCAA Director General emphasized the importance of implementing advanced security measures, says Liberia can-effectively safeguard its borders against threats such as drug trafficking and smuggling, adding that the aviation sector is also vital for emergency response, enabling the swift delivery of aid during crises.

The LCAA Director General said,Investing in modern airport infrastructure is essential for attracting international airlines and enhancing the passenger experience, A world-class airport serves as a gateway to a nation, creating a positive and lasting impression for visitors and investors alike, noting that Upgrading the country air navigation services is  crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient management of air traffic, emphasizing that all government efforts must be accompanied by a strong commitment to capacity building and manpower development. 

“ By providing increased support to the LCAA, the Liberia Airport Authority, and the Accident Investigation Bureau, we can unlock significant economic growth, enhance national security, and position Liberia as a leading force in regional air transport” LCAA Director General emphasized the need for increased government support.

The Liberia Civil Aviation boss said, in order to drive a successful development of Liberia's civil aviation sector and its associated infrastructure, the sector demands significant capital investment, a highly professional and systematic approach, and strict adherence to internationally accepted standards and best practices. Strategic planning, coupled with a highly professional and timely implementation schedule must be the cornerstone of the aviation sector development program. Promising that In the coming weeks,. the LCAA will submit a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Aviation Master Plan, a plan that  will serve as the definitive guide for the orderly and holistic development of the aviation sector. 

“It is with this in mind that we seek to inspire, encourage, and mentor young, talented Liberians to pursue careers in the diverse fields of aviation I must emphasize that the most recent iCAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) results for Liberia's aviation sector indicate that we are currently below internationaliy accepted standards, with an Effective Implementation (E) score of 27.5%, compared to the required minimum of 75%. Therefore, our immediate priority is to address the discrepancies and deficiencies identities during the 2022 ICAO USOAP audit. Subseguent efforts will focus on long-term aviation infrastructure development and expansion, guided by a comprehensive aviation development master plan. 

The LCAA, in close collaboration with the Liberia Airport Authority and other key stakeholders, actively working to mitigate these identified deficiencies, while endeavoring to ensure the highest levels of safety, security, and operational capability”DG Julius Dennis 

Julius Dennis the Civil Aviation boss said in order ti position Liberia as a leader in environmentally responsible aviation sector, 
investing in green technologies and adopting sustainable practices, will not only benefit the environment but also attract eco-conscious travelers and enhance Liberia's global reputation, adding that the potential benefits of strategic investment in Liberia's aviation sector are substantial and far- reaching. 

DG. Dennis however thanks President Boakai and his administration's unwavering commitment to the development and advancement of Liberia's aviation sector. 
Commanding the government's steadfast support for aviation safety, security, and growth.