MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has concluded a high-level engagement with Ethiopian Airlines Group to strengthen aviation cooperation.

It followed an invitation extended to the LAA Managing Director and the Port Managers of Roberts International Airport and James Spriggs Payne Airport.

In Addis Ababa, the Liberian delegation engaged directly with the leadership team of Ethiopian Airlines Group, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew.

They explored opportunities for collaboration in several critical areas, including the provision of comprehensive ground handling services at LAA-managed airports, strengthening cargo operations, and logistics capabilities.

Other areas included technical cooperation in maintenance, repair, and overhaul, workforce development through the Ethiopian Aviation University, enhancing airport operations, catering services, and airline support systems.

During the visit, the Liberian delegation toured key facilities of Ethiopian Airlines Group, including the corporate headquarters, passenger and cargo terminals, catering hub, maintenance, repair, and overhaul complex, among others.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the LAA, Ernst Hughes, emphasized the strategic importance of the engagement, emphasizing Liberia’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, and globally competitive Aviation Sector.

According to Hughes, the expertise and capacity of Ethiopian Airlines present a unique opportunity for Liberia to strengthen airport operations, enhance service delivery, and expand the aviation workforce.

A release quotes the Managing Director of the LAA as saying the partnership aligns with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID) and our broader national development goals.

The potential collaboration between the LAA and Ethiopian Airlines, according to the release, supports key pillars of the ARREST Agenda, particularly in Infrastructure Development, Education, Economic Revitalization, and Tourism.

It said that strengthening Liberia’s airports will improve safety, efficiency, and customer experience, while enabling greater regional connectivity and economic growth.

Meanwhile, the LAA said it will continue technical discussions with the Ethiopian Airline Group to develop a long-term cooperation framework that advances Liberia’s aviation modernization efforts.

A team from Ethiopian Airlines Group is expected in Monrovia by January 26 to conduct a feasibility assessment of the Roberts International Airport’s infrastructure.