Liberia: New Aviation Chief Optimistic of a Vibrant, Effective Sector

The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) is taking immediate steps to address challenges in the aviation sector, with newly confirmed Director General Julius D. Dennis, leading the reform efforts.

The organization aims to achieve a minimum effective implementation (EI) score of 60% mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), DG Denis said this at a brief turning over ceremony held at the LCAA headquarters in Harbel, Margibi County

Dennis has outlined short, medium, and long-term goals for the LCAA. In the short term, the focus is on addressing safety concerns identified in the 2022 ICAO Audit Report through the potential acquisition of an Automatic Weather Observation Station (AWOS).

“To achieve our short-term plan, the acquisition of an Automatic Weather Observation Station (AWOS) is being considered,” he said.

As short-term initiatives, Dennis plans to focus on achieving the 100-day deliverables as outlined in the Cluster Working Group (CWG) final report on the LCAA, prioritizing addressing the significant safety concerns (SSCs) as highlighted in the 2022 ICAO, USOAP, and CMA Audit results, and equally important is the acquisition of the Automatic Weather Observation Station (AWOS).

He promised to make all efforts to ensure full compliance to meet minimum acceptable ICAO standards and recommended practices (SARPs) in the shortest possible time.

“I commit to immediately embarking on a course of action aimed at addressing and mitigating these anomalies with a high degree of urgency,” he pledged. “I intend to formulate an action plan with short-, medium-, and long-term objectives and targets.”

He is not pleased with the recent ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) audit on the civil aviation sector of Liberia was carried out on April 20–May 2, 2022, by an ICAO Audit Team in accordance with ICAO’s guidelines and standards.

“The audit resulted in an overall effective implementation (EI) score of 27.84% for the eight critical elements, namely: primary aviation legislation and civil aviation regulation, civil aviation organization, personnel licensing, and training, aircraft operations, airworthiness of aircraft, aircraft accident and incident investigation, aerodromes, and ground aid,” Dennis indicated.

He added that in accordance with ICAO standards, “there is a benchmark of a minimum score of 60% at the level of effective implementation (EI) for all member states, and the first time for Liberia to be audited was in 2006, and the Liberia Effective Implementation (EI) score since 2006 has been 16.50%.”

Reopening of the Aircraft Registry at LCAA

As he officially took over the LCAA on Wednesday, Dennis promised that the aircraft registry at the LCAA, as a major source of revenue generation for the government, would be reopened.

Medium-term objectives include meeting the requirements for the reopening of the Liberia Aircraft Registry Authority (LARA). Collaboration with various entities, including the Executive Branch, the Ministry of Transport, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), and relevant airports, is emphasized to improve operational efficiency in the aviation sector.

Dennis added that he and his team will strive to effect a transformational change at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) to significantly improve operational functionality and provide superior customer services to give the traveling public a more pleasant and cordial airport experience, which “we are all yearning for.”

According to him, with a fully functional airport that meets ICAO standards, efforts could then be exerted in collaboration with the relevant government agencies to explore possibilities of attracting other airlines to fly into the RIA.

“Our strategic focus areas will include, but are now limited to, leading risk-based oversight and regulatory stewardship; enhancing organizational diversity and capacity building; developing relationships with relevant stakeholders to support global improvements in aviation; enabling recovery; and motivation and growth,” he disclosed.

The DG said that, as a team, they can all collaborate, cooperate, and work assiduously to achieve their desired goals and objectives.

Dennis is an accomplished aviation management professional with a wealth of experience spanning over three decades. His expertise in aviation management includes aviation safety, regulations and standards, aerodrome maintenance management, airport systems operations and management, infrastructure development, and strategic planning.

He is highly skilled in leading teams, implementing process improvements, and fostering relationships with stakeholders. With a track record of success in both domestic and international environments, he excels at navigating diverse challenges and driving organizational success.

Prior to joining the LCAA, Dennis served in three United Nations missions, including the UN Regional Service Center in Entebbe, Uganda, from 2013 to 2021, as the chief property management unit and chief regional infrastructure unit of the Transportation Movement Integrated Control Center.

During his tenure, Dennis oversaw the TMICC Infrastructure Unit and administered regional transportation infrastructure projects and equipment. He managed all airfield developments and rehabilitation projects for field missions in collaboration with ICAO.

“We can do this by upholding our core values to do the right thing: promote continuous learning, build collaborative relationships, and show respect for everyone,” he urged his team.

The LCAA DG was recently confirmed by the Senate to take over the sector

Dennis takes over at a time the sector is experiencing some level of transformation, a time when President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is calling for efficiency and effectiveness in public service.

Dennis added that efforts will be directed towards enhancing customer service and overall airport experience at Roberts International Airport (RIA) to attract more airlines. The LCAA’s strategy involves regulatory enhancement, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and global aviation improvement initiatives, with a call for teamwork and collaboration to achieve these objectives.

Director General Dennis acknowledges the challenges faced by LCAA, such as bloated staffing levels, non-compliance, infrastructure issues, debt burden, and training needs, highlighting the importance of incentivizing employees for increased productivity and efficiency.

“One of our priorities is to provide incentives to motivate employees and increase productivity and efficiency,” Dennis noted.

The LCAA’s commitment to improving the aviation sector in Liberia is seen as a crucial step towards rebranding, revamping, and rehabilitating the industry. With the implementation of the planned actions, the LCAA aims to enhance safety and efficiency in the aviation sector and attract more airlines to RIA.