Liberia, U.S. Partnership Takes to the Skies

Liberia, U.S. Partnership Takes to the Skies

Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies (RLJ), embarked on the highly-anticipated Delta Air Lines new flight service from the United States to Monrovia, Liberia, making the airline the leading US carrier operating flights to Africa. The inaugural flight commenced on September 4 and is the only direct flight service that will be offered from the US to the African country.

Johnson has significant business and development projects in Liberia including the nation’s first four-star oceanfront hotel. In 2009, Johnson opened the RLJ Kendeja Resort and Villas, which he constructed, owns, and operates.

In an initiative with the US Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Johnson and OPIC created the Liberia Enterprise Development Finance Company (LEDFC), a US$30 million initiative, which makes loans between US$25,000 and US$1 million to small- and medium-sized businesses.