The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) has revealed it is finalizing a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Aviation Master Plan aimed at transforming Liberia’s aviation sector into a competitive, secure, and economically vital part of the nation’s development infrastructure.
Speaking at the opening of the Aviation Awareness Week, LCAA Director General Julius Dennis emphasized the importance of this new master plan, describing it as the definitive roadmap to address systemic gaps, upgrade national aviation infrastructure, and boost compliance with international safety standards.
“In the coming weeks, the LCAA will submit a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Aviation Master Plan. This plan will serve as the definitive guide for the orderly and holistic development of our aviation sector,” Dennis stated.
The master plan comes at a pivotal moment, as Liberia’s aviation industry continues to face serious challenges, particularly concerning safety oversight and infrastructure standards.
According to Dennis, the latest Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) shows Liberia scoring 27.5% significantly below the minimum required score of 75%.
“Our immediate priority is to address the discrepancies and deficiencies identified during the 2022 ICAO USOAP audit,” Dennis added, noting that the strategic plan will serve as a guiding document for short-term improvements and long-term development.
The LCAA chief pointed out that a robust aviation sector has far-reaching benefits beyond transportation. “Investment in civil aviation acts as a catalyst for economic growth across multiple sectors. It generates direct and indirect employment, supports tourism, facilitates trade, and strengthens diplomatic relations,” he explained.
With Liberia standing at what Dennis termed a “crucial juncture” in its national development; he said the government must treat aviation as a strategic priority. To that end, the master plan will focus on modernizing airport infrastructure, upgrading air navigation services, enhancing regulatory capacity, and positioning Liberia as a reliable player in regional and global aviation.
Dennis stressed the need for advanced technology adoption, including modern radar systems and air traffic control technologies, to ensure safe and efficient airspace management.
“Increased and sustained funding for the aviation sector is paramount in maintaining Liberia’s reputation as a safe and reliable aviation jurisdiction,” he noted. “This will also unlock opportunities for new international routes and partnerships.”
In addition to infrastructure and safety compliance, the master plan emphasizes manpower development. Dennis highlighted the importance of mentoring young Liberians to take up careers in aviation, saying this human capital investment is critical for long-term sustainability.
“All of these efforts must be accompanied by a strong commitment to capacity building and manpower development. We seek to inspire, encourage, and mentor young, talented Liberians to pursue careers in the diverse fields of aviation,” he said.
Also featured in the plan is the sector’s growing role in national security. Dennis noted that a well-regulated aviation sector is essential to preventing cross-border threats such as drug trafficking and smuggling, and that it plays a central role in emergency response.
The LCAA chief made it clear that Liberia’s path to regaining a leadership role in West African aviation depends on disciplined implementation of the master plan. “Strategic planning, coupled with a highly professional and timely implementation schedule, must be the cornerstone of this aviation sector development program,” he said.
He concluded by extending thanks to President Joseph N. Boakai, whose commitment to the sector’s development was reflected in his delegation of Minister Mamaka Bility to represent him at the launch of Aviation Awareness Week. “Your participation underscores your administration’s unwavering commitment to the development and advancement of Liberia’s aviation sector,” Dennis said.
The LCAA’s upcoming Five-Year Strategic Aviation Master Plan is expected to be a landmark document–setting the course for modern, safe, and economically beneficial aviation infrastructure in Liberia.
As Aviation Awareness Week continues, stakeholders are hopeful that this plan will serve as the blueprint for a national aviation revival–one that repositions Liberia not just as a participant, but as a leader in the West African airspace.
