Liberia: Domestic Airliner, Eco World, Lands Maiden Flight at Spriggs Airport

 

 

It was a joyous occasion on January 14, at the James Spriggs Payne Airport in Monrovia, when the chief executive officer of the airline, Dr. Nelson Oniyama, along with government officials and other dignitaries, gathered to witness the Eco World Airlines (EWA) land its maiden flight at the James Spriggs Airfield, in Monrovia.

Oniyama, is also the General Manager and CEO of Monrovia Club Breweries and other businesses in the country.

Eco World Airlines aims to ease the transportation burden and constraints Liberians experience while commuting across the country, especially to remote provinces and during the rainy season.

The airline, which landed smoothly in the country, will provide daily domestic flights from the James Spriggs Payne Airport to Maryland, Sinoe, Grand Gedeh, and Lofa Counties. It also anticipates offering flights from Monrovia to Conakry and Freetown in the near future.

EcoWorld also offers chartered flights to ensure customers’ privacy is protected, as tickets for travel can be purchased at Eco World Airlines at Springs Payne Airport in Fiamah and Oragon Travel Services and Tours at 14 Streets Sinkor.

“Eco World Airlines (EWA) promises to be a professional commercial airline set up to provide regional flights, connecting passengers to their destinations safely, timely, comfortably, and in style, delivering an exceptional, inclusive experience for all customers and investing in providing top-of-the line products and services,” the management said. “Security, innovation, and reliability are key factors in creating an optimal customer relationship.”

In addition to the airline business,  Oniyama also has investments in car rentals, production of medical drugs and is the owner of a health facility in Tweh Farm.

Speaking at the ceremony marking the pre-launch of EWA to Liberia, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Blamo Wesseh, lauded the EWA management for the initiative, which he described as a win and boost for the country’s economy.

Wesseh insisted that the plane couldn't have arrived in Liberia at a better time, noting that it will help alleviate the difficulties citizens normally face when traveling remote counties.

“I am excited to be here today at this historic event,” said Wesseh. “Dr. Oniyama, please accept my heartfelt thanks on behalf of the President for your foresight in assisting the government in improving our country's transportation sector, and I will be one of your priority passengers.”

Wesseh also called on the CEO to see the need and also bring into the country a helicopter and mini-jet that will help transport citizens to other nearby counties as well as neighboring countries.

Earlier in his remarks, EWA chief executive officer Dr. Nelson Oniyama said the plane is a 17-seater aircraft that includes good service, an affordable ticket price, and unique customer services.

“We are ready and prepared to provide safe, reliable service throughout Liberia because our plane is insured, and we did pass all of the necessary rules and guidelines as prescribed by the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) prior to the landing on country soil,” he said.

According to him, the aim and decision behind the arrival of the airline was to aid government efforts through the transportation of sick patients and others from counties that are road-challenged to Monrovia within a reasonable timeframe.

Oniyama further stated that their mission is to also provide the business community, non-governmental agencies, the government, and all other customers a gateway to travel throughout Liberia and its surrounding regions safely, efficiently, and in a simple and unswerving style.

“The security and safety of our passengers are our highest priorities,” the Eco World boss added.  Various policies, procedures, measures, and resources have been put in place to ensure all our passengers and staff enjoy a hassle-free and safe flying experience.

He then thanked the government, the President’s Office, the LCAA, the National Police (LNP), the Ministry of Transport, and other relevant sectors for their cooperation and business-friendly environment since his arrival in the country.

For their parts, the LCAA boss, Moses Y. Kollie, and the LNP inspector general, Col. Patrick Sudue, expressed their happiness to be part of what they described as a dream come true for the country and its citizens.

Kollie further confirmed that Eco World, prior to their coming to the country, went through rigorous screening and met all of the requirements needed to begin operation in Liberia, and therefore disclosed that they have been declared qualified to ensure the safe air travel of Liberians to their various destinations.