MONTREAL, CANADA— The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) is proud to announce the successful restoration of its voting rights at the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held in Montreal, Canada. Following a period of dormancy, the LCAA delegation, led by Director General Julius D. Dennis, Jr., attended the global convention, a significant milestone achieved after settling a portion of the country's outstanding financial obligations to the organization. This re-engagement on the international stage signals Liberia's renewed commitment to meeting global aviation standards and fostering a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation sector.

The delegation's attendance commenced with participation in the opening session of the Assembly, a crucial step in re-establishing Liberia’s voice and presence among the 193 Member States. Director General Dennis emphasized the importance of this moment, stating, "The restoration of our voting rights is a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to civil aviation. It allows us to actively participate in crucial discussions, influence policy decisions, and shape the future of global aviation."

Throughout the convention, the LCAA delegation engaged in a series of high-level meetings and bilateral discussions. A particularly fruitful discussion was held with representatives from the Qatari government, who pledged assistance in clearing remaining arrears and providing technical support and training. This partnership is a key component of the LCAA’s strategy to bolster its institutional capacity.

In another strategic move, the LCAA team met with the leadership of ITAerea to design a specialized training package. This collaboration is specifically aimed at addressing the discrepancies identified in the 2022 ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) audit. The targeted training will focus on professional development and capacity-building to enhance regulatory oversight functions.

Beyond bilateral meetings, the LCAA delegation was an active participant in addressing emerging topics that are critical to the future of aviation. The team engaged in insightful conversations and forums on the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) and Women in Aviation, highlighting Liberia's dedication to building a diverse, skilled, and well-equipped aviation workforce.

A cornerstone of the delegation's mission was the formation of new partnerships through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Technical Cooperation agreements. These partnerships are designed to facilitate skilled trainings and help establish a strong Aviation Regulatory structure, including strategies for employing qualified human resources, effective personnel management, and continuous training. These initiatives directly address the findings and recommendations of the 2022 ICAO USOAP audit.

The LCAA’s attendance and proactive engagement at the Assembly are all geared towards a single, critical objective: improving Liberia’s dismal Effective Implementation (EI) score of 27.4% from the 2022 ICAO USOAP audit. This score, which measures a country's ability to implement safety standards, is a primary indicator of aviation oversight effectiveness. The partnerships and initiatives secured in Montreal are foundational to the LCAA’s commitment to raising this score and ensuring Liberia’s compliance with international safety and security standards.

The LCAA delegation, under the leadership of Director General Julius D. Dennis, Jr., remains committed to achieving this objective. The Assembly continues, and the LCAA anticipates reaching other significant milestones that will contribute to a more robust and compliant aviation sector in Liberia.

The LCAA is the statutory body responsible for regulating all aspects of civil aviation in Liberia, including air transport services, aviation safety, and security. Its mission is to ensure the development of a safe, secure, and sustainable aviation industry in accordance with international standards.