Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has successfully concluded a week-long series of strategic engagements with the Ethiopian Airlines Group, aimed at strengthening Liberia’s aviation sector through technical cooperation and operational partnerships.
The visit, held from January 13 to 18, 2026, followed an official invitation extended to the LAA Managing Director and the Port Managers of Roberts International Airport (RIA) and James Spriggs Payne Airport (JSPA).
The Liberian delegation was led by LAA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ernest Hughes, and included Mr. James Mulbah, Port Manager of RIA, and Mr. Abner Yonly, Port Manager of JSPA. The team held direct discussions with the Ethiopian Airlines Group leadership, led by Hon. Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer, alongside senior executives across the Group’s various business lines.
Discussions focused on exploring collaboration in key areas, including the provision of comprehensive ground handling services at LAA-managed airports, strengthening cargo operations and logistics, technical cooperation in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), workforce development through the Ethiopian Aviation University, and enhancements in airport operations, catering services, and airline support systems.
During the mission, the delegation toured major Ethiopian Airlines Group facilities, including the Corporate Headquarters, Passenger and Cargo Terminals, Catering Hub, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Complex, the Aviation University, the Airline Operations Center, and other strategic airport operations units. The tour offered firsthand insight into the systems, technologies, and operational standards that have positioned Ethiopian Airlines as Africa’s leading aviation group.
Speaking at the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Hughes underscored the strategic significance of the engagement for Liberia’s aviation future.
“Our visit to Ethiopian Airlines Group has reinforced Liberia’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, and globally competitive aviation sector,” Hughes said. “The expertise and capacity of Ethiopian Airlines present a unique opportunity for Liberia to strengthen airport operations, enhance service delivery, and expand our aviation workforce. This partnership aligns strongly with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda and our broader national development goals.”
The proposed collaboration, according to Hughes, supports key pillars of the ARREST Agenda, particularly infrastructure development, education, economic revitalization, and tourism. Strengthened airport operations are expected to improve safety, efficiency, and customer experience, while enabling greater regional connectivity and economic growth.
Hughes disclosed that the LAA will continue technical discussions with the Ethiopian Airlines Group to develop a long-term cooperation framework aimed at advancing Liberia’s aviation modernization agenda.
As part of next steps, a technical team from the Ethiopian Airlines Group is expected to arrive in Monrovia by January 26 to conduct feasibility assessments of existing infrastructure at Roberts International Airport.
