Liberia Government (Monrovia)
3 June 2009
Monrovia — The Liberian Government has received a communication concerning Delta Airlines' postponement of new service to Liberia and Kenya.
According to the communication, Delta has been notified by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require more time to approve Delta's planned direct flights to Monrovia, Liberia and Nairobi, Kenya.
The statement reads: "Delta regrets any inconvenience to our customers caused by the postponement of our new direct service to Kenya and Liberia. The airline is proactively contacting customers to reaccommodate them on long-established connecting flights offered by our joint venture partners Air France-KLM and other SkyTeam member airlines, which carry Americans to these destinations in Africa through their European hubs."
The Delta announcement also states that the airline appreciates DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano's continued focus on finalizing approvals for Delta's direct service to Africa as quickly as possible.
Delta's statement also recalls that in October 2008, the airline notified the U.S. Government of its plans to offer new service to Liberia and Kenya. However, Delta was informed on June 1, 2009 by the Department of Homeland Security that it would require additional time to approve these new flights.
The Liberian Government looks forward to the Department of Homeland Security's approval as soon as possible to enable Delta Airlines to commence service to Liberia.
The Government wishes to note that following several visits to Liberia, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), under the Department of Homeland Security, declared Liberia compliant with all relevant regulations.
As the Government strives to bring about reform and development, Liberia welcomes tourists and investors.
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So much for Open Skies....and they talk about Africans dragging their feet...they have had enough time to tell Delta to halt.Too bad Delta cannot sue them for loss of income due to neglect of duty/imcompetence/delay...get your act together ....the next frontier is Africa and if US and Africa does not sort things out the Chinese and Europeans are waiting in the wings.
It really is a shame that the US government thinks Liberia is not safe for air travels....It just doesn't make sense.
First off, there way many more dangers in US skies than poor Liberia's. There is no one interested in an Terrorist attacks against Liberia or Americans headed to Liberia...Terrorist will not waste their time and resources on such insignificant targets as a passenger flight going to Liberia.
Also, the US should see that their are several other carriers like SN Brussles, KLM, South African Airways etc flying between Liberia and other destinations.
Like the previous poster said, America can continue to bluff, when the Chinese and Europeans extend their hands, we'll have no option but to grant their calls.
Shame on the US government for suspending service at the 11th hour.