By Ibrahim Sesay
The member states of the Robert Flight Information Region (Robert FIR),Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and development of their shared airspace. This pledge was made during a two-day Ordinary Technical Committee and Ministerial Council Meeting held on December 4-5, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.
The meeting aimed to review the 2024 Activity Report, deliberate on the draft 2025 budget and adopt resolutions proposed by the Technical Committee. The event showcased the collaborative efforts of the three nations in advancing aviation safety and fostering regional cooperation.
In his opening address, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, underscored the Government’s dedication to the safety and development of the airspace. “With collective collaboration we are confident that our skies will remain safe as we work diligently to prevent any potential challenges,” he stated. Alhaji Fanday Turay also praised the Technical Committee for their rigorous analysis and preparation of the budget, describing them as the “backbone” of critical decision-making within the organization.
Liberia’s Minister of Transport, Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, echoed the importance of unity among member states, highlighting the progress made despite prior disagreements. “We resolved that the feasibility study for the planned training school, deferred in the previous budget, will now proceed as scheduled,” he affirmed, emphasizing the importance of joint decision-making and mutual understanding.
Julius D. Dennis, Director General of Liberia’s Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of the Technical Committee, reflected on the goals and objectives of Robert FIR. He noted their alignment with the 14th International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Navigation Conference, which emphasized “performance improvement initiatives and sustainability.” Julius D. Dennis called for sustained support from all member states to ensure the successful implementation of Robert FIR’s vision.
Director General of Sierra Leone’s Civil Aviation Authority, Musayeroh Barrie, reiterated her country’s commitment to the principles of airspace cooperation. “The Government of Sierra Leone has always prioritized the development and safety of our combined airspaces. With collective collaboration, we are confident that our skies will remain safe under Robert FIR’s vigilant oversight,” Musayeroh Barrie stated. She expressed gratitude to her counterparts in Liberia and Guinea for their technical and administrative contributions to the region.
Established in 1975 by the Presidents of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Robert FIR is tasked with the management and safety of air navigation across the combined upper airspace of the three nations. Covering an area of 770,777 km², the organization continues to serve as a vital entity for regional cooperation in aviation.
The successful outcome of this meeting further solidifies the commitment of the Robert FIR member states to enhance airspace safety, foster development and uphold international aviation standards.
