By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a historic moment for the nation’s aviation industry, Air Sierra Leone was officially launched at the prestigious New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown on Saturday, 12th October 2024. The launch event marks a significant milestone as the airline is set to commence operations on December 2, 2024, with its inaugural flight, a six-hour journey from Freetown to London’s Gatwick Airport.
The event was attended by key Government officials, industry stakeholders and members of the Press, all of whom hailed the new private airline as a promising venture that will elevate Sierra Leone’s position in the global aviation sector.
Speaking at the event, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, highlighted the substantial opportunities the airline will bring to the nation, particularly in terms of employment. “Air Sierra Leone is going to benefit us by creating jobs, especially for our young female tourism graduates. Positions such as air hostesses and other passenger welfare roles will be available,” he said.
Alhaji Fanday Turay further clarified that while Air Sierra Leone will serve as a national flag carrier, it is not a state-owned airline but rather a privately-owned entity. He compared it to international airlines like British Airways, which, despite being privately owned, serve as national carriers of their respective countries. This distinction, he noted, would ensure that Air Sierra Leone operates efficiently while offering competitive services.
In addition to creating jobs, the airline is expected to establish local offices and generate a sense of pride and prestige among Sierra Leoneans. The Minister also emphasized that the introduction of Air Sierra Leone will likely increase competition in the aviation sector, potentially leading to reduced ticket prices for consumers.
The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, provided further insights into the regulatory and safety measures being undertaken to ensure the airline’s success. She confirmed that Air Sierra Leone is a private venture and not a national carrier, adding that the airline is in the process of securing a Sierra Leonean Air Operator Certificate (AOC) after initially operating with a UK-based certification.
“As a state, we want to leverage this opportunity to work towards being removed from the EU Blacklist. We are committed to ensuring that Air Sierra Leone meets all the required security and safety standards,” Musayeroh Barrie stated. She underscored the importance of maintaining strict safety regulations and outlined the SLCAA’s role in overseeing the airline’s compliance with both national and international aviation laws.
Air Sierra Leone’s CEO, Emmanuel Iza, spoke passionately about the airline’s mission to reconnect Sierra Leone with the global community. “Air Sierra Leone is not just an airline; it’s a symbol of progress, bringing the national flag back to the skies and a sense of hope for all Sierra Leoneans,” Emmanuel Iza said.
He detailed the airline’s ambitious three-phase expansion plan, which includes consolidating operations in West Africa, establishing direct flights to Europe, starting with London, and eventually expanding to the United States. As part of its competitive strategy, the airline announced that introductory fares from Freetown to London will start at $999, with promotional rates as low as $750.
The launch event, chaired by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, demonstrated the Government’s strong support for this groundbreaking venture. Chernoh Bah commended the collaboration between various Government departments and private stakeholders in bringing Air Sierra Leone to life, reiterating that the airline represents a significant leap forward for the country.
With operations set to begin in just a few weeks, Air Sierra Leone’s launch is expected to transform Sierra Leone’s aviation landscape by offering improved connectivity and fostering new opportunities for domestic and international travelers. The airline’s potential to enhance tourism and business travel, as well as its focus on safety, affordability and convenience, make it a highly anticipated development for Sierra Leoneans and the global community alike.
In a special announcement, Air Sierra Leone revealed that it will begin operations with three aircrafts, including two Boeing 737 jets and a 50-seater Embraer. The company also unveiled promotional round-trip fares between Sierra Leone and the UK, starting at under $999, with the goal of making international travel more accessible to Sierra Leoneans.
The airline also plans to expand its routes to include regional destinations such as Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Senegal, with further expansions expected in the coming years.
The launch of Air Sierra Leone is seen as a transformative event for the nation, not only enhancing travel options but also symbolizing a new era of progress and connectivity for Sierra Leone. As the inaugural flight approaches, excitement continues to build for what promises to be a game-changing development in the country’s aviation industry.
