Dozens of Liberians who spoke to the GNN over the weekend are wondering as to why the delay of the visibility of their owned airline, the Air Liberia which was colorfully launched by the Liberian leader, President George Manneh Weah on October 30, 2020.
Some of those interviewed by the GNN wondered as to why the much publicize launch of the Airline at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) where several foreign and local dignitaries were in full attendance is yet to be seen nearly a year since it was officially launched.
During the launch of the airline on Friday, October 30, 2020, President George Weah announcing the launching of Liberia’s first postwar national carrier at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Margibi County where there was no plane to be showcased for such elaborate program, said launching the national carrier, his government has achieved one of the things he had long desired to see in the country.
“Having known that Liberia once owned what was then called “Liberia Airway” before the civil war, and feeling jealous seeing other smaller nations owning their own planes, the President had harbored the wish for the country to return to the sky with its red, white and blue colors,” the release says.
“I am so delighted to be here today to witness this ceremony organized by the promoters of the new airline to be known and styled as Lone Star Air, Wings of Liberia, to operate as a national flag carrier for Liberia,” he says.
He notes that the launch of Lone Star Air was consistent with his long-held wish, vision and clarion call for Liberia’s place in the international aviation industry; for fair-minded investors to take interest and explore investment opportunities in the sector.
Mr. Weah recalls how he, on many occasions, promoted the need for investors to explore the aviation field and to engage into enterprises that create jobs and bolster the Liberian economy.
He specifically recalls that upon return from his first official visit to France, he encouraged investors to develop a new Liberian airline that will connect Liberia to the West African Sub-region and rest of the world.
“Recently, I was so happy when I was informed by authorities of the Ministry of Transport that potential investors from our sister country of Ghana had formed partnership with Liberian] entrepreneurs and have applied to the aviation authority for permission to jointly develop a new airline for Liberia,” President Weah explains, thanking those who have undertaken the landmark initiative.
“It has been my dream, hope and vision that we will very soon see Lone Star Air, the Wings of Liberia, flying our flag in international skies, shining so brightly,” he continues.
With these promises made by the Liberian leader on the launch of the Airline, Liberians who spoke to the GNN are wondering as to why the delay on the arrival of their owned airline, since its was officially launched nearly a year ago.
Efforts by the GNN to contact the appropriate agencies concerned including the Ministry of Transport, authorities at that institute remains mute on the issue.
Investigation continues
