Air Liberia
Liberia Wiki
| Liberia Wiki | |
|---|---|
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| Company Name | Air Liberia |
| Headquarters | Monrovia |
| Hub | Roberts International |
| IATA | NL ? |
| ICAO | ALI ? |
| Callsign | Air Liberia |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Also Known As | Liberian International Airways (1948-1950)
Liberian National Airways (1950-1968) |
| Number of Planes | 3 |
| 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.
