10/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE
The Liberia Airports Authority is strengthening its Sister Airport Partnership with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with Managing Director Hughes driving a new phase of engagement from Atlanta on August 9, 2026.
The Sister Airport Cooperation Agreement, first signed in 2017 under ATL's Sister Airport Program, was established to exchange knowledge, align technical standards, and strengthen institutional capacity at Roberts International Airport. Under this framework, both authorities committed to joint work on safety, security, digital transformation, and customer service, positioning the alliance as a direct channel for LAA to adopt global best practices.
That foundation has gained real momentum over the past year. In 2025, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. visited Hartsfield-Jackson to affirm the partnership at the highest level. In April 2026, an LAA representative participated in the UNITAR "Future-Ready Airports" workshop hosted at ATL, focused on safety, sustainability, and smart innovation, further fortifying the relationship through direct engagement with global aviation peers.
While engaging with the leadership of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Walter M. Vinson, IAP (Airport Assistant General Manager-Business Diversity and Government Affairs), Karen W. Ellis (Assistant Airport General Manager-Customer Experience), Wesley Almeida (Chief Technology Officer-Aviation Information System) and Maurice Travis (Airport Security Director-Regulatory Compliance), MD Hughes stressed the urgency of deepening the Sister Airport cooperation to accelerate reforms at home.
He highlighted Liberia’s readiness to embrace new standards, invest in people, and leverage digital tools to improve operations at Roberts International Airport.
“We are not starting from zero. We are starting from commitment,” Hughes said. “Liberia is ready to learn, ready to implement, and ready to deliver an airport experience that reflects safety, efficiency, and world-class service.”
As both parties prepare for the 2027 MoU renewal, the focus remains on translating priorities in Safety, Security, Digital Transformation, and Customer Relations into concrete outcomes that strengthen operations at Roberts International Airport and position LAA for long-term growth.