MOONROVIA, LIBERIA-A delegation from Turkish Airlines has commenced a two-day safety, security, and operational assessment at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Lower Margibi County.

The visit is aimed at assessing the RIA’s safety and operational capacity to begin flight operations in Liberia.

The delegation comprises an Assessment and Investigation Specialist, Muhammed Duz, Station Manager Ahmet Uzunlu, and Turkish Airlines’ Incorporated Specialist, Aykut Aka.

ELBC Reporter said the team began touring the runway, luggage check room, as well as the arrival and departure terminals, amongst others.

Turkish Airlines is expected to conclude modalities with the Liberia Aviation Authority before commencing full operations in Liberia.

Meanwhile, the delegation has promised that Turkish Airlines will fly to Liberia twice a week, routing to Ghana with a possible direct flight from Turkey to Liberia after three months of operations.

At the same time, the Deputy Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), Ekong Kulah, has attributed the coming in of new airlines to good governance and improvement of safety and security at the RIA.

The LAA Deputy Managing Director for Operations added that several airlines, including Qatar, Emirates, Turkish, and TAP Air Portugal, have expressed interest in flying to Liberia.

He said,” Liberia has a strategic geographical location that serves as a quick link to the United States and Latin America.

Kuiah noted that the government has been keen to improve the status of the airport by replacing equipment and making frantic efforts to install fourth-generation equipment at the RIA.

Ekong Kuiah disclosed that the Government of Liberia has also made significant investments in security equipment and navigational aids, including landing and weather equipment, which are expected to be installed shortly at the facility.

By: Sampson David