Air Liberia
| Air Liberia | |
|---|---|
| |
| |
| Company Name | Air Liberia |
| Headquarters | Monrovia |
| Hub | Roberts International |
| IATA | NL ? |
| ICAO | ALI ? |
| Callsign | Air Liberia |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Also Known As | Liberian International Airways
Liberian National Airways |
| Number of Planes | 9+ |
| Website | https://air-liberia.com |
History
Liberia International Airways
On May 2nd, 1943, a group of twelve American citizens expressed their interest in forming an airline in Monrovia, Liberia. Their plans initially included the management and renovation of Roberts International Airport. These renovations included two paved asphalt runways, lighting facilities, radio facilities, and management by Irving Stanton. The initial expense estimate was $158,585.
On December 10th, 1946, the Legislature of Liberia incorporated Liberian International Airways. The Liberian Government granted LIA an exclusive franchise allowing LIA to fly the flag of Liberia on behalf of Liberia. LIA Treasurer Clarke W. Tobbets, on behalf of the founders of LIA, agreed to an initial investment of $75,000 towards the partnership, with the Liberian Government also contributing $75,000.
On July 17th, 1948, an LIA Douglas DC-3 by the name of African Star departed from LaGuardia for an 8,000-mile flight to Robertsfield International Airport. This would mark the first airliner with Liberian International Airways to arrive in Liberia. The pre-flight ceremony in New York was attended by Minister C.D.B. King, Consul General of Liberia Dr. Frederick A. Price, and Chairman of the Liberia Company, Frederick M. Ryan. The LaGuardia ceremonies proved noteworthy and allowed the American public a glimpse into the progress being made in Liberia.
On Wednesday, August 12th of that same year, the Christening and Dedicatory Ceremonies for the Liberian Starlines of LIA took place. The ceremony brought in attendees from all three branches of Liberia's government, including President Tubman, the Supreme Court, and the Legislature. Also in attendance were representatives from the British, American, and French Embassies. Even though it was raining, the event captured a sizeable number of Liberian civilians excited to see further progress in the Liberian aviation space.
The Liberian Star, LIA's flagship, made its maiden voyage that day, stopping in Freetown, Sierra Leone; Conakry, Guinea; Bathurst, Gambia; and Dakar, Senegal, with ceremonies welcoming the airliner in each location. After departing from Dakar, the Liberian Star returned to Robertsfield. The ceremonial flight continued with the airliner then taking off, circling Lower Buchanan, Rivercess, and Greenville, later arriving in Harper for an hour before returning to Robertsfield.
LIA continued its operations, offering both domestic and international flights. International flights such as Sinoe to Robertsfield were priced around $20 at the time, which, adjusted for inflation, would be approximately $262 in 2024.
Liberian National Airways
In 1950, LIA was renamed Liberian National Airways (LNA). At this point, LNA was officially headquartered at Robertsfield, Margibi County. On November 29th, 1950, LNA expressed interest in acquiring an additional DC-3 through a letter to Pan American World Airways.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, LNA continued its services throughout Liberia, operating flights across the country. By 1968, the largest customer of LNA was the Liberian Government; however, representatives from LNA began to complain about unpaid invoices with the government of Liberia.
Problems continued to mount within LNA, with a captain writing to Liberia's Secretary of Commerce to complain about inadequate training, irresponsible management, and unreasonable working hours for pilots. In his complaint, the pilot referenced an incident in which a captain new to the airline ran into a fence at the tail end of a Cape Palmas charter.
Complaints continued to escalate, including allegations of mistreatment of staff compared to their European counterparts.
Fleet
Douglas DC-3 Starliners
The Liberian Star (ELAA-A)
The African Star (ELAA-B, MC3372)
The Provinces Star
Boeing
Boeing 737
Boeing 707 (Executive)
McDonnell Douglas
DC9
Israeli Aircraft Industries
IAI-101 Ariva
Britten-Norman
BN-2A-27 Islander
CASA
CASA C-212-200 Aviocar
Destinations
Zwedru, Liberia
Cape Palmas, Liberia
Sinoe, Liberia
Dakar, Senegal
Leopoldville, Congo
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Bathurst, Gambia
Conakry, Guinea
