By Frank P Martin
MONROVIA: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has inaugurated Ethiopian Airlines’ resumption of flight to Monrovia, Liberia. President Boakai also hailed the giant aircraft’s return to Liberia. He calls it a milestone achievement and a symbol of strengthened ties between Liberia and Ethiopia
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The Liberian leader made the statements at the Farmington Hotel on Saturday, November 30,2024, at the official ceremony marking the maiden return of Ethiopian Airlines to Liberia since 2011.
President Boakai said the resumption of flights to Monrovia by Ethiopian Airlines is a major boost to the aviation and tourism sectors of Liberia.
He stressed that the return of Ethiopian Airlines is a testament to Liberia’s growing economic potential and a reaffirmation of the enduring partnership between the two nations.
“Ethiopian Airlines return to Liberia signifies much more than the reopening of air routes,” President Boakai said.
” it is a powerful symbol of our long-standing friendship, mutual respect, and shared African heritage,” the Liberian leader pointed out.
He reflected on the historical connection between Liberia and Ethiopia, emphasized their shared roles as pioneers of African independence and advocates for Pan-Africanism.
President Boakai thanked Ethiopian Airlines for its resilience and leadership in connecting the African continent to the world, and described the airline as a source of pride for all of Africa.
The president noted that this development will serve as a bridge for closer economic and diplomatic ties, foster investment, and create job opportunities, particularly in the aviation and tourism sectors.
“This historic flight marks a new era of cooperation and reaffirm our commitment to African solidarity and to the broader vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated continent,” president emphasized.
The president emphasized that the resumption of Ethiopian Airlines’ flights is not just a bilateral achievement but a reflection of the broader Pan-African vision of unity and progress.
The Liberian leader called on Liberians to seize the opportunities brought by Ethiopian Airlines and encouraged them to work together to achieve greater economic growth and regional integration.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ethiopian Airlines for its renewed confidence in Liberia and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the airline’s operations.
Also, Mr. Lemma Yadecha, the Group Chief Commercial Officer (GCCO) said with the resumption of flights to Monrovia by Ethiopian Airlines is to bridge the gap between Liberia and Ethiopia, and to connect Liberia to over one hundred forty destinations worldwide.
The GCCO indicated that Ethiopian Airlines’ goal is to ensure the highest quality of service and connectivity for all travelers.
Mr. Yadecha assured Liberians of the airlines’ commitment to serving the Liberian people with increased frequencies and larger aircraft as demand grows.
“As we begin this new chapter with our latest state of the art Boeing 787 aircraft operating three times a week direct flights, we are committed to serving the Liberian people with increased frequencies and larger aircraft as demand grows,” Mr. Yaddecha stated.
With the coming of Africa biggest aircraft carrier to Liberia, travelers from Liberia will now have at least one transit post in Ethiopia, leading to Europe or America.
The inaugural program of Ethiopian Airlines resumption of flight to Monrovia was attended by dignitaries of government as the day also marked the eighty-birth anniversary of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
