When Liberia’s aviation regulators needed to assess regional areas, a tour with MAF saved them several days of road travel.
Story by Rachel Gwole George
A team from Liberia’s Civil Aviation Authority flew with MAF to complete a trip to check the condition of four airstrips in just one day.
"Imagine, this would have taken us nearly 20 days by road without MAF,” said Varney Matthew, Director of Aerodromes and Aid for the LCAA. “If MAF is here, it means we have an advantage."
Liberia once had an active regional and domestic aviation sector, with rural airstrips supporting tourism, commerce, and essential services. Civil wars have caused domestic aviation to stop, and many airstrips have become unusable due to poor maintenance.
MAF is the only domestic operator in the country that provides access to rural areas and the inspectors’ approval is vital to keeping those links active.
Imagine, this would have taken us nearly 20 days by road without MAF
“Since MAF began operations, aviation activity in the country has increased. Our partners now reach rural communities through MAF’s services, using rehabilitated rural airstrips,” said Leon Prinsloo, MAF’s Acting Country Director in Liberia. “We currently do not have domestic flights, so MAF service is filling a critical gap.”
The LCAA team visited Greenville, Harper, Grand Cess, and River Cess to document the condition of the airstrips. The inspectors walked the full length of runways to better understand conditions on the ground.
MAF pilot Amos Simiyu, enjoyed flying the team to the four airstrips and he walked along with the inspectors.
“It was a privilege to do this flying with the inspectors and see their excitement. They were not looking at the airstrip alone, but also the environment, and checking encroachment and power lines,” said Amos. “We demonstrated to the LCAA that the airstrips we use meet required safety standards.
“The inspections offered a chance to strengthen collaboration and understanding and it is an eye opener that they understand and appreciate MAF for opening the aviation space in this country.”
LCAA inspectors also recognised the broader role MAF plays in national development.
“MAF has really done well in supporting our work. They are providing a service we do not have,” said Varney. “The experience has been very good, and you can see the satisfaction among my team.”