Robert L. Johnson Takes Part in Delta Air Lines Inaugural Flight to Monrovia, Liberia
Successful Collaboration between Liberian Government, U.S. Government and Private Sector
BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 U.S. carrier operating flights to Africa. The inaugural flight commenced on September 4th and is the only direct flight service that will be offered from the U.S. 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 U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), Johnson and OPIC created the Liberia Enterprise Development Finance Company (LEDFC), a $30 million initiative which makes loans between $25,000 and $1 million to small and medium sized businesses.
"A few years ago while attending the Clinton Global Initiative and after hearing President Sirleaf appeal to the American private sector for support, I made a commitment to make a difference for the people of Liberia," said Johnson. "Over the last year, we have been working collaboratively with Delta Air Lines, the Liberian Government, Congressman Bennie Thompson, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, and the TSA in an effort to attain the approvals needed to offer direct flight service. The inaugural flight is an example of a successful public private partnership," he concluded.
In a previous release citing the announcement of Delta Air Lines new route service, Perry Cantarutti, Delta's senior vice president of Europe, Middle East, and Africa stated, "As the No. 1 U.S. carrier serving Africa, Delta remains committed to expanding our presence into fast-growing African markets. Our new service between our Atlanta hub and Monrovia will provide convenient connections between Liberia and cities across the United States."
Added Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security: "I have been pleased to work with Delta and the Office of Global Strategies at the TSA to ensure security continues to be a priority. Offering direct service flights from the United States to Liberia strengthens our partnership with Africa."
"The government is enthusiastic about the prospect of Delta providing a direct flight between Monrovia and the United States, which would be the first such service in many years," said Liberia President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.
About The RLJ Companies - The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. The RLJ Companies seeks to target undiscovered or underserved markets then exercise solid management to achieve results. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds majority interests in businesses operating in banking, private equity, hospitality, automobile dealerships, entertainment, and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Orlando, FL; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Juan, PR; and Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET). For more information go to www.rljcompanies.com. Media Inquiries: Traci Otey Blunt, 240.744.7858 or press@rljcompanies.com
Source: The RLJ Companies
