History

Overview

A State-Owned Enterprise, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) was legislated by Act on August 17, 2009 to oversee the managerial and operational control of all airports and facilities in Liberia, by developing, maintaining and operating as service provider. With a simple goal – to accelerate aviation sector development, LAA has to constantly innovate. Our company’s expertise is solidly based on the experience of running the Roberts International Airport (RIA)- unfailingly known for its historic international involvement in Second World War (WWII), originally built as base support to the United States of America military. Although LAA has two functional airports RIA and James Spriggs Payne Airport (JSPA), with nine serviceable airstrips in rural Liberia.

Leadership Timeline

Hon. Julius D. Dennis (2006–2009)

  • Led RIA’s post-war recovery before LAA’s official formation.
  • Restored operational capacity, enforced financial discipline, rebuilt credibility.
  • Implemented accounting controls, operational procedures, staff training, and equipment procurement.

Hon. Julius D. Dennis was appointed in 2006 to lead RIA’s post-war recovery. His tenure focused on restoring operational capacity, enforcing financial discipline, and rebuilding institutional credibility. Working alongside donor-supported programs like GEMAP, Dennis introduced proper accounting controls, reduced payroll inefficiencies, and implemented clear operational procedures.

The same year, Hon. Abraham Simmons was appointed as LAA Acting managing Director while serving as the General Manager of the Robert International Airport.
Prior to his appointment as the General Manager of the Robert International Airport, he had a distinguished career in aviation with McDonnell Douglas, UPS Air Group, VOLPAR Incorporated, and Air Liberia. Upon taking the helm at RIA, Simmons identified the airport’s dire need for renovation, improved services, and financial reform. He initiated comprehensive reforms, including the establishment of clear job definitions, the creation of an airport operations manual with the assistance of foreign consultants, and the implementation of new training programs. Despite facing challenges in financing reforms and acquiring new equipment, Simmons was committed to bringing the airport up to international compliance standards. In February 2009, Simmons resigned from his position, and LAA Director General Richelieu Williams assumed interim control of both the LAA and RIA.

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Hon. Abraham Simmons (2009)

  • Appointed Acting Managing Director after serving as RIA General Manager.
  • Introduced job definitions, airport operations manual, and training programs.
  • Focused on renovation, improved services, and compliance with international standards.

Hon. Richelieu Williams (2009–2011)

  • Oversaw consolidation of air traffic control, security, and fire/rescue under LCAA.
  • Managed transitional challenges during the early years of the LAA.
Hon. Richelieu Williams, who was the Director General of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA), was appointed as the interim Managing Director of RIA.
During his tenure, Williams oversaw the consolidation of authority for air traffic control, security, and fire/rescue under the LCAA, as stipulated by the Liberia Airport Authority Act passed in April 2009. His leadership was crucial in navigating the transitional period and addressing the challenges facing Liberia’s aviation sector. His tenure ended 2011 and was succeeded by Ellen Corkrum in 2012.
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Ellen Corkrum, a U.S.-trained pilot and military veteran with degrees from Harvard and MIT, was appointed Managing Director of the LAA in October 2012. She returned to Liberia with a strong aviation and leadership profile, selected to spearhead reforms at Roberts International Airport. She had a short stain that lasted several months and ended 2013.

Ellen Corkrum (2012–2013)

  • U.S.-trained pilot and military veteran with Harvard and MIT degrees.
  • Returned to lead reforms at RIA but had a brief tenure.

Hon. Musa Bility (2013–2014)

  • Served briefly, not long enough to implement his vision for the airport sector.

Musa Bility served as the Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority from 2013 to 2014. Like wise Ellen Corkrum, Hon. Bility had a brief tenure not sufficient to see through his vision for the Airport industry.

Wil Bako Freeman who served as the Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority from 2015 to 2019. During his tenure, Freeman was instrumental in overseeing significant infrastructure projects at Roberts International Airport, including the construction of a new passenger terminal and runway rehabilitation.
His leadership was marked by efforts to modernize Liberia’s aviation infrastructure. In March 2019, Freeman resigned from his position, and Bishop John Allen Klayee was appointed as Acting Managing Director to head the LAA.
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Hon. Wil Bako Freeman (2015–2019)

  • Oversaw major infrastructure upgrades: new passenger terminal and runway rehabilitation.
  • Focused on modernization of aviation infrastructure.

Hon. Bishop John Allen Klayee (2019–2021)

  • Continued infrastructure projects and operational improvements.
  • Oversaw a 25-year cargo operations concession with NAS of Kuwait and Global Logistics Services.
  • Maintained optimism despite COVID-19 challenges.
Hon. Bishop John Allen Klayee was appointed as the Acting Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority. During this period, Klayee continued efforts to enhance the operational efficiency of Roberts International Airport and oversee the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects. His leadership was pivotal in maintaining continuity and addressing the challenges facing Liberia’s aviation sector.

Additionally, Hon. Bishop, Klayee oversaw a joint venture between the National Aviation Services (NAS) of Kuwait and the Liberian firm, Global Logistics Services, to manage a 25-year air cargo operations concession at RIA. This partnership aimed to design, build, maintain, operate, and transfer a new, modern cargo facility at RIA, enhancing Liberia’s air cargo operations to meet international standards and supporting export supply chain capacity in the country.  His tenure was impacted by Covid-19 but He yet strive to keep the Airport Authority economic growth optimistic. In 2021, Hon. Klayee saw his Tenure came to an end with Hon. Martin Hayes being his successor.
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Hon. Martin J. Hayes served as Acting Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority from July 2021 until at least January 2023. His leadership came during a period marked by serious operational challenges at Roberts International Airport, most notably persistent power outages that disrupted night operations and even forced flight diversions. To keep the airport functioning, Hayes procured brand new generators and managed the heavy daily fuel demand of roughly 800 gallons, ensuring continuity of service despite the lack of stable electricity.
Beyond crisis management, Hayes placed emphasis on strengthening the airport’s safety capabilities. Under his watch, fire and rescue personnel received specialized training to enhance emergency readiness. He also worked to maintain and build confidence among international partners, notably engaging Brussels Airlines to address audit concerns and reaffirm the airport’s commitment to compliance and operational standards. Hayes’s tenure is remembered for his hands-on response to infrastructure crises, his focus on safety improvements, and his proactive engagement with key stakeholders to sustain Liberia’s air connectivity, before handing over leadership to Jero H. Mends-Cole.
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Hon. Martin J. Hayes (2021–2023)

  • Managed crisis from persistent power outages; procured generators.
  • Enhanced safety readiness with specialized training.
  • Maintained international airline relationships and compliance standards.

Hon. Jero H. Mends-Cole (2024–Present)

  • Leading efforts toward full ICAO certification.
  • Expanding passenger terminal, apron, and taxiway.
  • Rehabilitating domestic airports, planning new hangar facilities, airport solar farm, and “Airport City.”
  • Focused on innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth.

Hon. Jero H. Mends-Cole took office as the Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority on April 15, 2024. His appointment was confirmed by the Legislators, and he officially assumed his duties on the same day. Hon. Mends-Cole’s leadership is expected to focus on further enhancing the operational efficiency of Liberia’s airports and implementing strategic initiatives to improve the passenger experience and overall service delivery.

As such, Hon. Jero H. Mends-Cole has placed the Robert International Airport (RIA) on a clear path toward full certification by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). His immediate agenda focuses on addressing critical infrastructure needs, beginning with the expansion of the passenger terminal to meet the demands of growing traffic, enlarging the apron and taxiway to accommodate increased aircraft movements, and rehabilitating four domestic airports to restore active air transportation across Liberia.

Beyond these immediate priorities, Hon. Mends-Cole is determined to lay the foundation for transformative, long-term developments in the nation’s aviation sector. His vision includes the construction of a state-of-the-art aircraft hangar capable of supporting storage, routine maintenance (A-check/B-check), and full repair and overhaul operations. He is also championing the development of an airport solar farm to ensure a sustainable and cost-effective energy supply, in alignment with Liberia’s National Energy Strategy and regional climate commitments.

Looking ahead, his leadership is committed to launching the construction of a new terminal that will accommodate the rapid growth in passenger demand, as well as building an “Airport City” a modern aviation-linked hub that will integrate business, logistics, and lifestyle opportunities, shaping the future of Liberia’s aviation landscape. Guided by his vision and driven by his team’s dedication, Hon. Mends-Cole aims to leave a legacy of innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth in the country’s air transport sector.

Under his leadership, the Liberia Airport Authority is charting a course toward innovation, resilience, and lasting growth.

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Ethiopian Airlines

Location:

Roberts International Airport, Lower Margibi County

Telephone Number: (+231) 886942295

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/lr

Air Côte d’Ivoire

Location:

4th Street, Sinkor,
Monrovia, Liberia

Telephone Number: (+231) 77 067 84 24, (+231) 88 740 00 53, (+231) 77 58 03 029

Email: aircôtedivoire@aircôtedivoire.com

Website: https://www.aircotedivoire.com/en/home/

DHL

Location:

Old Mandarin Building, Broad & Lynch Streets,
Monrovia, Liberia

Telephone Number: +23177 225 245

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.dhl.com/us-en/home.html

Asky Airline

Location:

3rd Street, Maraco Building,
Sinkor district, Monrovia, Liberia

Telephone Number: +231 777 660 043 / +231 777 123 456

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.flyasky.com/lr/en/

Kenya Airways

Location:

Ground floor, Asmar Building (Adjacent to Royal Grand Hotel)
Tubman Boulevard (15th Street),
Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia

Telephone Number: +231 777 116 616, +231 888 240 240

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.kenya-airways.com/en-lr/

Air Peace

Location:

Jubilee Plaza, Congo Town, Monrovia

Official Website: https://flyairpeace.com/

Telephone:
Number: +231 88 694 2295

Email: [email protected]

Royal Air Maroc

Location:

3rd Street,
Tubman Boulevard,
Sinkor, Monrovia

Official Website: https://www.royalairmaroc.com/us-en

Telephone Number:
+231 77 795 6956; +231 86 695 1951;
+231 5 951 951

Email:
[email protected]

Air Brussel

Location:

Boulevard Palace Hotel, 13th Street,
Tubman Boulevard,
Sinkor, Monrovia

Official Website:
https://www.brusselsairlines.com

Telephone Number:
+231 886 974 677 / +231 777 520 777

Email: