Monrovia — The first direct flight between Liberia and the United States of America in 20 years touched down Sunday afternoon, September 5, at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County, some 40 miles from Monrovia.

One of America's leading airlines, Delta, began its maiden flight to Liberia following months of preparation by Liberian and American civil aviation authorities.

"Today marks another notch in our victory column - the achievement of one of the first goals we set for ourselves when we took office some four years ago," a beaming President Ellen Johnson declared.

The President said that the journey was not always smooth sailing, but she had been confident that with the combined determination of the Liberian Government, the United States Government, Delta Air Lines, and other good friends of Liberia, the airline would add Liberia to its African route.

The President described Delta's inaugural flight to Liberia as one which coincides with the beginning of a new and better day for Liberia.

"When Pan Am flight lifted off from Liberia for the United States in May 1990," the President remembered, "it was not only the end of direct services to Liberia by an American carrier; that departure coincided with the beginning of a dark passage in our country's history. Less than a year later, Pan Am declared bankruptcy, and ceased to exist."

She said it was only fitting, therefore, that Delta Air Lines, which bought up Pan Am's profitable assets, should be the first American carrier with direct service to Monrovia.

The Liberian leader extended special thanks to all institutions and individuals, particularly members of the National Legislature; the United Nations Mission in Liberia; American Ambassador to Liberia Linda Thomas-Greenfield; Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security; other members of the Congressional Black Caucus; and Mr. Bob Johnson, who made the event possible.

The inaugural flight, the Liberian leader noted, is only the beginning, and that going forth will require continued partnership with the private sector. "Delta is starting with one flight a week," said the President, adding, "It will be up to us to give them the justification to increase the frequency of flights here."

The Senior Vice President of Delta Air Lines, Mr. Perry Cantarutti, said Delta was pleased to add Monrovia to its network, bringing to seven its destinations in Africa since 2006. As of now, Mr. Cantarutti said, Delta has brought nearly two million passengers between Africa and the United States.

"We believe that our new route will facilitate the trade of commerce and the development of the exchange of ideas and people and cultural ties that are already deep and strong and long lasting between the United States and Liberia," he noted.

The Chargé d'Affaires at the United States Embassy in Liberia, Mr. Karl Albrecht, also welcomed Delta's direct flight to Monrovia. He said the event underscores America's commitment to Liberia's future and the United States' faith in Liberia's long-term security and economic prospects.

"The U.S. Government will continue to support Liberia in its efforts to rebuild," he emphasized, noting that the event demonstrates another positive sign that Liberia is open for business.

The event was witnessed by senior Government officials, including Chief Justice Johnnie N. Lewis and the Speaker Alex Tyler of the House of Representatives.