By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a significant step towards enhancing aviation safety and operational standards, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, finalized on June 26, 2024, aims to foster collaboration in crucial areas such as aviation safety oversight, air navigation, training and technical assistance.
The MoU was signed by Ms. Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of SLCAA, and Ms. Poppy Khoza, Director General of SACAA. This partnership is expected to strengthen aviation ties between the two countries, focusing on:
– Aviation safety oversight
– Air navigation services
– Training and technical assistance
During her visit to South Africa, Ms. Barrie engaged in a successful meeting and benchmarking exercise with Ms. Khoza, discussing various areas for mutual collaboration, especially in personnel licensing and air navigation services. The SLCAA is looking forward to hosting a team from SACAA later this year to further those initiatives.
The visit concluded on June 29, 2024, with the development of an action plan to guide future engagements. Ms. Barrie’s two-day technical working visit included detailed discussions with Ms. Khoza, resulting in a fruitful exchange of ideas and strategies. Both leaders agreed on the importance of collaboration in aviation security oversight, training, and technical assistance.
Ms. Barrie highlighted several significant advancements in the aviation sector during her tenure, including:
– Revision of charges in the SUMA agreement, leading to a reduction in costs for the Government.
– Establishment of the Consumer Protection Unit to address passenger concerns.
– Signing of a Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Ethiopian Airlines, which commenced commercial flights on May 31, 2024.
– Implementation of the Billing and Settlement Plan with IATA.
– Engagement with airlines to introduce larger carriers like the B787-800 Dreamliner and A330-200 to the fleets of Royal Air Maroc and Turkish Airlines.
– Bilateral engagements with ICAO, WACAF, and AFCAC to develop specific training packages for Sierra Leone’s aviation sector.
Additionally, Ms. Barrie reported ongoing discussions with Ethiopian Airlines to establish an aircraft maintenance facility in Freetown, which would be the first in West Africa. She also mentioned the signing of a Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Italy and technical assistance MoU, which will provide training and secondment opportunities with the Italian CAA.
Engagements with the EU Safety Commission have led to a roadmap aimed at removing Sierra Leone from the EU aviation safety list. The SLCAA has aligned all Bilateral Air Services Agreements with the Yamoussoukro Decision and is making significant progress towards implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
Ms. Barrie expressed optimism about these advancements, emphasizing Sierra Leone’s commitment to enhancing its aviation sector and aligning with international standards.
