By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Since her appointment as Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) in August 2023, Madam Musayeroh Barrie has made significant strides in advancing Sierra Leone’s aviation sector.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie has played a pivotal role in enhancing international partnerships, most notably through the signing of a historic Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority. This agreement, aimed at improving air transport links between Sierra Leone and Italy, followed discussions at the ICAN summit in Riyadh, underlining her commitment to expanding the country’s global aviation footprint.
On January 24, 2024, during an engagement with ICAO/WACAF in Dakar, Madam Barrie underscored the importance of safety and security as core priorities for the SLCAA. She highlighted several key focus areas, including flight procedure design, the implementation of AIM projects under ICAO’s RFIR system, and the establishment of an ICAO-certified aviation training school in Sierra Leone. Additional objectives included the development of a civil aviation master plan, efforts to remove Sierra Leone from the EU safety list, and the ICAO AVSEC Instructors course.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie also led a delegation that strengthened ties with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC). In these discussions, she focused on increasing aviation activities, attracting airlines, and enhancing passenger traffic to Sierra Leone’s modern infrastructure. She expressed excitement about exploring routes within the Mano River Union, connecting Freetown with Guinea, Liberia and Ivory Coast. The Director General made a humble yet strategic request for AFCAC to champion the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), with Sierra Leone as a flagship nation, citing its achievements in securing 5th and 7th freedom rights.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie has prioritized staff training and development within the SLCAA, ensuring that the organization meets critical aviation standards. Her leadership secured technical assistance in aviation security, aiming to address deficiencies identified in the ICAO Universal Security Audit Program ahead of the next audit.
A major achievement under her administration was sending the first group of Airworthiness Inspectors to Italy for specialized training, aligned with the European Union Safety Commission’s milestones. This effort is part of a broader movement to enhance staff capabilities and fulfill requirements for Sierra Leone’s removal from the EU aviation blacklist.
In partnership with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the Korea Office of Civil Aviation, the SLCAA organized an aerodrome safety management course, marking a significant step towards improving the nation’s aviation safety standards. The course was a collaborative effort resulting from a Memorandum of Understanding between AFCAC and Korea.
Additionally, the SLCAA enhanced security oversight at Freetown International Airport (FNA) by conducting a three-day course on basic aviation security for industry operatives, including aviation security (AVSEC) personnel, military, police, presidential guards, and the airport operator (SUMMA). This initiative aims to equip personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out effective aviation screening procedures.
The SLCAA’s Consumer Protection Unit was re-established to ensure that passengers traveling to and from FNA receive appropriate services from airlines, particularly concerning lost, delayed or mishandled baggage, as well as other consumer-related issues. She facilitated a partnership with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to review and strengthen consumer protection regulations.
The SLCAA also engaged with representatives from eight ECOWAS Member States at the 1st Workshop of Air Transport Consumer Protection Focal Persons, held in Nigeria. This workshop aligned with Article 9.6 of the Yamoussoukro Decision (YD), focusing on the protection of consumer rights and the responsibilities of air transport entities.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership brought Sierra Leone into the global aviation spotlight by hosting the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) Airshow. This event aimed to foster high-level engagement with key stakeholders, including State agencies for Transport, Tourism, Trade and Finance, as well as the National Implementation Committee (NIC). The airshow focused on increasing air connectivity and promoting 5th Freedom traffic penetration within the region.
In another notable achievement, the SLCAA hosted the CODEVMET-AFI Project Fourth Steering Committee Meeting, organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The three-day event brought together air navigation service providers and aviation stakeholders to review the project’s progress and set the agenda for the coming year.
At the Facilitation Global Summit 2024, Madam Musayeroh Barrie emphasized the importance of security and efficiency in air travel. She highlighted the role of ICAO’s Annex 9 standards and recommended practices in enhancing global aviation security, improving passenger experience, and reinforcing global commitments to secure and efficient air travel.
The Director General’s efforts to open Sierra Leone’s skies to the world have been demonstrated through significant milestones, including Ethiopian Airlines commencing commercial operations with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This development aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for a more connected Sierra Leone.
Similarly, Royal Air Maroc’s Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner made its inaugural landing at Freetown International Airport marking a significant step toward boosting tourism, trade, and economic partnerships.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie remains confident that the SLCAA is making progress in addressing safety and security issues that led to Sierra Leone’s inclusion on the EU aviation blacklist. Following a recent meeting in Brussels between the SLCAA Management and the European Commission, there is optimism that the improvements in safety, security and oversight systems will lead to the country’s removal from the blacklist in the near future.
