By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has reiterated that the European Union (EU) ban on Sierra Leone has no direct impact on Air Sierra Leone’s operations, particularly its flights to the United Kingdom. The aircraft servicing this route is registered with UK authorities and not under the SLCAA’s jurisdiction.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the SLCAA, has emphasized transparency about the country’s inclusion on the EU’s blacklist, which dates back 17 years. Since assuming office, she has focused on addressing the concerns raised by the EU and improving the SLCAA’s safety oversight capabilities.
“We’ve made unprecedented progress in our engagements with the EU over the past year,”
Madam Musayeroh Barrie said. “Following our April meeting with the European Union, we collaborated with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority to facilitate on-the-job training for our key staff in Italy, a critical step forward.”
She highlighted that the SLCAA has reopened its flight registry and is processing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) applications for the first time in 17 years. A dedicated team, supported by the African Civil Aviation Commission and the ICAO regional office for West and Central Africa, is handling these applications.
“Issuing an AOC is a rigorous process. After we issue the first AOC, we must demonstrate effective oversight of the aircraft before the EU conducts an audit,” Madam Musayeroh Barrie explained. She reassured that Air Sierra Leone’s operations remain unaffected by the EU ban as the airline uses an AOC from Nigeria for its regional routes until it receives certification from the SLCAA.
Reports from various media outlets have pointed to allegations that airlines certified by the SLCAA are among the 129 carriers banned from EU airspace. The updated EU Air Safety List, released in December 2024, includes carriers from several African nations, reflecting broader concerns about aviation safety on the continent.
The SLCAA’s recent efforts aim to change this narrative. Following the 2006 ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), which prompted deregistration of aircraft and revocation of AOCs, the SLCAA has taken steps to reestablish its regulatory framework. The European Commission acknowledges these efforts and the SLCAA’s commitment to meeting international safety standards.
A pivotal meeting on April 25, 2024, involving the European Commission, SLCAA and Sierra Leone’s Parliament, focused on these developments. The SLCAA shared results from the 2023 ICAO USOAP visit and outlined plans to enhance its certification and oversight capabilities.
“Our memorandum of understanding with Italy, signed in March 2024, is central to these efforts,” Madam Musayeroh Barrie noted. “This partnership aims to build our technical capacity, enabling us to register aircraft and certify air carriers in line with global standards.”
The European Commission has recognized the SLCAA’s progress but noted that Sierra Leone must further demonstrate its ability to oversee airworthiness and operations effectively. Continued consultations and a potential Union on-site assessment visit are planned as the SLCAA works toward compliance.
This concerted effort to elevate Sierra Leone’s aviation standards comes as the country aims to exit the EU’s Air Safety List, a designation that has historically increased insurance costs for airlines operating to and from Sierra Leone. The EU’s list, though controversial, is seen as a critical tool for maintaining high safety standards in global aviation.
With a roadmap in place and support from international partners, Sierra Leone is poised to regain its standing as a safe and reliable destination for air travel. The SLCAA’s initiatives underscore a renewed commitment to safety and regulatory excellence, paving the way for future growth in the country’s aviation sector.
