IPNEWS-Monrovia: In October 2020, the West African nation, Liberia launched a new national carrier that was scheduled to begin flight operations. The national carrier was named Lone Star Air, 30 years after the former national carrier, Air Liberia became defunct as result of the civil war.
The official insignia of Lone Star Air that is still pending
George Weah, Liberia’s President, while inaugurating the national carrier in October in 2020 said, “It would connect our country to our region and to the world. “It is my dream, my hope and my ambition that we will very soon see Lone Star Air, the wings of Liberia, flying our flag in international skies, shining so brightly.”
Flashback: Pres. George Weah, First Lady Clar Weah and Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Kemayah grace the launch of the Lone Star Air in October of 2020, and the official insignia of the former national carrier, Air Liberia
During the launch, it was never disclosed when the new airline would begin operation and neither the Ministry of Transport was able to state timetable when the new national carrier would begin flights.
However, it was reported the airline initially had planned to operate flights between Monrovia and regional hubs such as Abidjan in Ivory Coast or Lagos in Nigeria among other destinations . But up to date, two years after the launch of the Lone Star Air, there is no sign of it coming into being as Ministry of Transport remains tightlipped.
Promotional poster of Lone Star Air and proposed routes Lone Star Air has scheduled to fly when it starts operations
Liberia’s erstwhile national carrier, Air Liberia
In 1974 during the regime of President William R. Tolbert, a merger between Liberian National Airlines, which was established as Liberian National Airways in 1948 partnered with Ducor Air Transport (DATCO) to form AIR LIBERIA.
Air Liberia Boeing 737 used by both president Tolbert and Samuel Doe, while the Cassa prop was used for domestic flight
The national carrier ceased trading in 1990 after the devastated and brutal Liberian civil war started.
It initially, Air Liberia operated a prop fleet (Cessna 337’s) joined by Britten-Norman Islander & Trislander aircraft in 1975 for scheduled services. In February 1978 an HS 748 was purchased from the manufacturer in order to operate domestic flights. The aircraft was written off in April 1983. Three aircrafts – a Boeing 737, 707 and 727 were bought at different intervals and used for government VIP operations.
Air Liberia Boeing 727 and Boeing 707 were used for Presidential and other VIP flights
Air Liberia Boeing 737 was used for presidential flight while the Air Liberia cassena aircraft was used for domestic flights
The Air Liberia 1983 Crash in Khartoum, Sudan
On 16 April 1983, an unfortunate air crash occurred in Khartoum, Sudan involving Air Liberia HS 748 EL-AIH aircraft leading to the death of the pilots and engineers who had taken the plan to India for advanced maintenance. The crash occurred after taking off from Khartoum Airport, after an engine failed. Only only flight engineer survived the crash.
In February 1978 an HS 748 was purchased from the manufacturer in order to operate domestic flights. The plane crashed in Khartoum, Sudan while returning from advanced maintenance in India.
Two Years since Lone Star Air was Inaugurated
It is exactly two years since the Lone Star Air was inaugurated by President George Weah. Up to present there is no latest information when the flight will officially kick off operations.
Lone-Star-Air-In-Sight-Flight-Attendants-Off-For-Training
In May 18, 2022, Assistant Information Minister for Tourism, Princess Turkolon disclosed the media that plans for a fully functional Lonestar Airline (Lone Star Air) operating in the country is still alive.
She said works are ongoing to ensure the new airline project begins towards the end of the year, 2022. Minister Turkolon spoke when the overseers of the project began training air stewards and stewardesses.
The first set of trainees were to comprise twenty-three (23) young men and women – three of whom have already departed the country for Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso; another training location is Toulouse, France.
Lone Star Air Hostesses who reported to have gone for training outside Liberia. Photo courtesy: The NEWS
The airline project was launched by President George M. Weah in October 2020 to revamp the Liberian Airways, which was once a national pride that transported passengers from Monrovia to several West African cities. It ceased its operations more than 30 years ago.
During the launch of Lonestar Air, the Liberian leader expressed how happy he was when he was informed that “investors had formed partnership with Liberian entrepreneurs and have applied to the aviation authority for permission to jointly develop a new airline for Liberia”. The public private partnership has got the full backing of the President who seeks to ensure Liberia regains ownership of its own airline.
Those selected to be trained were picked following a meticulous process, according to Minister Turkolon. She said the group consists of a unique combination of graduates of local airline schools and beauty queens. Those who have departed the country so far are Sandra Sando Sombai, Lelai Bendu Yekelorde and Tina Finda Nyunkor.
