By Foday Moriba Conteh
As part of its efforts towards expanding its network to other destinations within the West African sub region, further enhancing regional connectivity, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), led by its Director General, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, has on Thursday 19th December, 2024 at a ceremony held at the Freetown International Airport inaugurated Overland Airways, a prominent Nigerian airline, to Sierra Leone’s aviation sector. Overland Airways will begin operating flights from Freetown, Sierra Leone, to Lagos, Nigeria, offering greater connectivity between the two West African countries.
This milestone reflects Sierra Leone’s growing position as a key player in regional air transport and supports the country’s vision for enhanced economic and tourism opportunities. Overland Airways has a strong reputation for safety and efficiency and their decision to launch this route is a testament to the growing confidence in Sierra Leone’s aviation infrastructure.
In his remarks, Captain Edward Boyo, Managing Director of Overland Airways, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception extended to the airline in Sierra Leone and reaffirmed Overland Airways’ dedication to fostering partnerships and contributing to the growth of the country’s aviation sector.
He emphasized the significance of the occasion in celebrating the enduring relationship between Sierra Leone and Nigeria. “The inauguration of our services here symbolizes the resilience and growing bond between our two nations, paving the way for mutual economic benefits,” he remarked.
He highlighted Overland Airways’ excitement at launching the Freetown-to-Lagos route, describing it as a pivotal moment in enhancing regional air connectivity. “This marks an exciting step toward strengthening regional air travel and fostering closer business and cultural ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria,” he stated.
Captain Boyo reiterated the airline’s commitment to providing safe, reliable and comfortable air travel for passengers. “As we expand our network within West Africa, Overland Airways is dedicated to playing a key role in the growth of the aviation industry across the region while continuously improving the travel experience for all our customers,” he concluded.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), emphasized the milestone’s importance for Sierra Leone’s aviation industry. “Today, we are not just celebrating the arrival of a new airline; we are witnessing a new chapter in the story of our nation’s connectivity to the world,” she stated. The Director General highlighted the potential of Overland Airways to enhance global connections, boost tourism and drive economic growth.
The new airline service strengthens ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, offering direct flights that simplify travel for business, cultural exchange and family connections. “This is about connecting hearts, minds and communities,” remarked Madam Musayeroh Barrie, adding that the service would ease travel for Sierra Leone’s Nigerian diaspora while promoting trade and tourism opportunities.
Ambassador Frank Azuike, the Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, lauded the occasion as a historic moment, reflecting the strong and growing ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria. “This new airline service is not just about connecting two cities; it is about connecting hearts, minds and communities,” he stated.
Overland Airways, a Nigerian airline with decades of operational experience, has introduced direct flights between the two nations. Ambassador Frank Azuike emphasized the service’s importance in easing travel for Nigeria’s diaspora in Sierra Leone and fostering stronger cultural, economic and social connections. “With this launch, we reduce the uncertainties and challenges of long, expensive and complicated journeys, paving the way for greater convenience and collaboration,” he added.
Highlighting the broader impact, the High Commissioner noted that the airline’s arrival would enhance trade, tourism and investment opportunities, benefiting both nations. He praised Sierra Leone’s progressive vision and commitment to strengthening connectivity, emphasizing that such partnerships reflect the foresight of both countries.
Ambassador Frank Azuike also commended the Management of Overland Airways for their dedication and resilience, which made the launch a reality. “Your efforts are invaluable and this achievement is a testament to the shared vision and hard work of all stakeholders,” he said.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Transport and Aviation, Dr. Alfred Forde, Senior Technical Advisor to the Ministry emphasized the enduring bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria. “Bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and the Federal Republic of Nigeria are as constant as the Northern Star,” he remarked, highlighting the Pan-African spirit and shared commitment to the African Union’s Single Africa Air Transport Market initiative.
The introduction of the Lagos-Freetown route by Overland Airways underscores Sierra Leone’s readiness to position itself as a regional aviation hub, he underscored. Dr. Alfred Forde attributed the progress to deliberate investments in infrastructure, notably the partnership with SUMMA Group to build a state-of-the-art terminal at FNA. He noted that annual passenger throughput at the airport has surged from 140,000 in 2017 to 220,000 since the terminal’s construction.
Sierra Leone’s impressive achievements in global aviation standards were also celebrated. “With our remarkable scores in ICAO Security and Safety Audits 71% for aviation security and 72% for effective implementation Sierra Leone is a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work,” Dr. Alfred Forde stated.
He assured Overland Airways of the Government’s unwavering support, emphasizing the airport’s strategic positioning for the West African regional market. “Your decision to choose Freetown International Airport as one of your destinations reflects thoughtful foresight and we are committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and seamless operations,” he said.
In closing, he extended gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone to the Board and Management of Overland Airways. “You are assured of the best of African hospitality here in Mama Salone,” he concluded.
The launch of Overland Airways in Sierra Leone marks a significant step towards enhancing regional integration, fostering trade and tourism and reinforcing the nation’s stature in West Africa’s aviation industry.
