Monrovia, Liberia – April 15, 2024 - The newly established Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) Board of Directors held its inaugural meeting on the 3rd of April 2024, marking a significant step forward for the nation's aviation sector.

The historic meeting brought together a diverse group of distinguished Liberian professionals with expertise in aviation, law, finance, and governance. The board members, appointed by The President of Liberia, H.E Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., will play a critical role in overseeing the LCAA's operations and ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient air transport system in Liberia.

During the meeting, the board headed by its chairman, David Farhat, the board discussed key priorities for the LCAA, including:

• Developing a comprehensive national civil aviation policy
• Strengthening safety regulations and oversight
• Facilitating the growth and development of the Liberian aviation industry
• Promoting regional and international cooperation

The chairman, in his remarks, he made specific emphasis on the importance of the aviation industry, stating that while safety and security remains a top priority, the industry plays a key role in providing the only worldwide transportation network, by generating economic growth, creating jobs, and facilitating international trade and tourism. He underscored the enormity of the challenges facing the sector but believes that with teamwork and collective efforts, a lot can be achieved.

For his part, the Director General of the LCAA, Mr. Julius D. Dennis, Jr. highlighted the many challenges faced by the new management team which includes a bloated payroll, huge debt burden, lack of equipment and specialized trainings for staff, the need for a new headquarters for the LCAA and immediate practical steps taken to address the issues emphasized in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) audit which scored Liberia at 27%, far below the 60% passing benchmark, among others.

The establishment of the LCAA Board represents a major milestone in Liberia's commitment to international aviation standards and best practices. The board's leadership will be instrumental in ensuring a robust and sustainable aviation sector that contributes to Liberia's economic growth and social development.