The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), in collaboration with the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), has officially launched a comprehensive aviation technical training for staff.
The initiative began on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Time Royal Ambassador Hotel in Margibi County. It is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the skills and operational capabilities of Liberia’s aviation workforce, with a focus on improving airport management, customer service, and overall safety standards.
The training sessions cover a range of critical topics including public safety and security, airport terminal operations, emergency management, and combating human trafficking.
At the opening ceremony, LAA Managing Director Hon. Jero H. Mends-Cole expressed appreciation for the international partnership and emphasized the importance of ongoing staff development in modernizing Liberia’s aviation infrastructure.
“This training is a critical investment in the future of our airport and the broader aviation community in Liberia. By equipping our staff and partners with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are laying the groundwork for a more efficient and safer airport experience for all travelers,” said Mends-Cole.
Since assuming leadership at the LAA, Mends-Cole has prioritized staff training and development, pledging to align the authority’s operations with global aviation standards.
Facilitators from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport include Ms. Jean Lennon (Executive Deputy General Manager), Arlene Roberts Barr (Senior Airport Director), and Joy Brown (Special Events Manager), all of whom are bringing decades of professional expertise to the program.
The partnership between LAA and ATL is grounded in mutual goals of capacity building and knowledge exchange. It encompasses training, technical assistance, and strategic support aimed at transforming Liberia’s aviation sector.
Participants from various LAA departments ~ including operations, security, and customer service ~ welcomed the training, describing it as both timely and impactful.
“This has been an incredible opportunity for us to learn directly from the expertise of one of the world’s leading airports. We are eager to implement what we’ve learned to improve our operations,” said Roland G. Taylor of the LAA Security Department.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority, the Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and other aviation stakeholders.
The training is expected to continue over the coming days, further strengthening Liberia’s aviation sector through international collaboration and professional development.
