By George K. Momo
MONROVIA, Oct. 24 (LINA) – Liberia is making renewed efforts to reestablish a national airline as part of broader plans to strengthen the country’s air transport sector, with authorities expressing optimism that the carrier could begin operations between 2027 and 2028, provided the necessary arrangements and regulatory requirements are met.
The Director General of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), Julius D. Dennis Jr., speaking on state radio on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 in Monrovia said the authority is working with relevant government institutions and other stakeholders to advance plans for the proposed national carrier.
Dennis said considerable work had already been undertaken toward restoring Liberia’s national airline, although several details concerning its establishment and operations are yet to be finalized.
“I will tell you, we are very close to reestablishing a national air carrier. A lot of work has been put into getting to that position,” he said.
The proposed airline is expected to improve Liberia’s air connectivity and contribute to the development of the country’s aviation industry. However, authorities have not yet announced a definitive launch date, operational structure, route network, or other key details of the initiative.
Liberia’s effort to establish a national carrier comes after decades of disruption to its aviation sector, particularly during the country’s civil conflict, which severely affected national institutions and economic activities.
According to the account provided by the aviation authority’s leadership, Liberia previously maintained an aircraft registry that allowed aircraft from different parts of the world to be registered under the country’s jurisdiction.
The registry was eventually shut down amid concerns surrounding activities associated with some operators during the war.
The LCAA boss indicated that efforts are now underway to reestablish the aircraft registry as part of the broader process of rebuilding Liberia’s aviation capabilities.
“Restoring the registry and establishing a national airline are related but distinct undertakings each require appropriate regulatory, administrative, and operational arrangements,” he stated.
He noted that the renewed focus on these initiatives signals an effort to rebuild the institutional foundations needed to support a more developed aviation industry in Liberia.
Dennis emphasized that the proposed national airline cannot be established through the efforts of the aviation authority alone, citing that the LCAA is collaborating with relevant government institutions and other stakeholders to address the requirements necessary to make the project a reality.
Although the authority has not publicly detailed all the arrangements currently being pursued, the director general expressed confidence in the progress made so far.
He also indicated that officials were being cautious about announcing a specific timeline before the necessary preparations had been completed.
“We don’t like to put specific details in time, but we know that a lot has gone into that effort,” he said.
His comments suggest that while the project has advanced, the government and its partners are not yet ready to provide a comprehensive implementation schedule. He expressed optimism that the carrier could become operational between 2027 and 2028 if the required arrangements and conditions are satisfied.
“The proposed time frame offers a potential target for the country’s aviation ambitions, but it should not be interpreted as a confirmed launch date,” he noted.
A functioning national airline could provide Liberia with an additional means of improving international air links and supporting passenger travel, trade, tourism, and business activities.
Improved connectivity could also help strengthen the country’s links with regional markets and international commercial centers, depending on the airline’s eventual routes and operating capacity.
The long-term success of a national carrier would depend on several factors, including sustainable financing, effective management, compliance with aviation safety standards, access to suitable aircraft, and the ability to attract sufficient passenger demand.
He added that the reestablishment of an aircraft registry could also contribute to the development of Liberia’s broader aviation regulatory framework, although the registry alone would not guarantee the successful launch of a national airline.
Dennis maintained that substantial efforts had gone into bringing the initiative closer to reality, while avoiding a firm commitment to a specific date before the remaining requirements were addressed.
He further said that until then, the proposed carrier remains a project in development, with its eventual launch dependent on the completion of the outstanding preparations and regulatory requirements.