On the 13th of August, during her 11 day, seven-nation trip in Africa, the U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, conducted an official handover of equipment procured by Crown Agents USA (CA-USA) to assist Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Liberia become fully operational.
RIA operations were suspended in 1990 due to severe damage during the civil war, and only reopened in 1997 for commercial flights. RIA is the major international airport in Liberia and its services and revenues are projected to expand rapidly once international standards have been met. RIA's competitiveness relies heavily on its equipment. As a subcontractor to SEGURA/IP3 Partners LLC, CA-USA procured new equipment that will help RIA meet international standards, increase airline safety, and attract additional international airlines.
In her speech, Secretary Clinton stated "Our Transportation Security Administration is working with the Liberian Civil Aviation Authority, the airport, and the Bureau of Immigration to ensure that the airport can meet international safety standards through its ASSIST (Aviation Security Sustainable International Standards Team) program. This will increase domestic and international flights, including those from the United States.''
Delta Airlines is expected to add Liberia to its itinerary in late 2009/2010.
RIA is of extreme importance to Liberia's economic growth and trade. CA-USA's role in upgrading the airport equipment capacity has contributed to the country moving forward by facilitating general passenger services, air cargo and tourism.
CA-USA procured and delivered power generating equipment ($115,000) and ground support equipment ($1,700,000) for RIA. The work was part of the Governance and Economic Management Program (GEMAP), a multi-donor agreement with the Government of Liberia, which began in early 2006, and is co-chaired by the President of Liberia and the US Ambassador. CA-USA's responsibilities included preparation of equipment specifications and procurement documents, issuing the tender for the goods, delivery, inspection of goods, and training of RIA staff of the equipment procured.