By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Government and People of Sierra Leone celebrated the inaugural Ethiopian Airlines flight to Freetown on the 31st May, 2024 during an auspicious occasion that took place at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi. This landmark event was attended by notable personalities including the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay; the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Musayeroh Barrie, the Vice President of ET Holiday Ethiopian Airlines, Hailemelekot Mamo and Mme Abeba Sileshi, Regional Director for Western Africa at Ethiopian Airlines.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, in his statement extended a warm welcome to the Vice President of Ethiopian Airlines Hailemelekot Mamo and Mme Abeba Sileshi, Regional Director for Western Africa at Ethiopian Airlines further conveying congratulations from President Julius Maada Bio. He highlighted the historic bilateral relationship between Ethiopia and Sierra Leone, emphasizing that the event epitomizes Pan Africanism.
He noted that this latest development was a result of the ICAO Air Services Negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2023. The Minister underscored the transformative potential of Freetown International Airport, crediting President Bio’s vision for the airport’s role in national development. He referenced ICAO’s ratings of Sierra Leone’s aviation sector—72% for aviation and 71% for security in 2019 and 2023 respectively under the theme “Bringing Africa Beyond Borders.”
The Minister elaborated on the strategic importance of Freetown International Airport, positioned to serve the West African market and beyond, being just five to six hours away from South Africa and South America. This strategic positioning supports the broader goal of African connectivity and unity.
Hailemelekot Mamo, Vice President of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed gratitude for the successful landing of a Boeing 787 at the Freetown National Airport. He highlighted that the flight could accommodate 100 passengers and serves 56 destinations in 65 cities, including in Asia. Mamo emphasized Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expediting connections across Africa.
Mme Abeba Sileshi, Regional Director for Western Africa at Ethiopian Airlines, expressed her excitement about the direct flight, praising the collaborative efforts that made it possible. She appreciated the warm welcome and support received.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, extended hospitality to Ethiopian Airlines’ management and praised the improved connectivity. She congratulated all contributors to the successful landing and underscored the importance of cooperation between Sierra Leone and Ethiopia in the transport and aviation sectors. She highlighted the potential for future collaborations between the two nations.
Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Musayeroh Barrie, expressed her excitement about the materialization of the agreement signed in Saudi Arabia. She extended her gratitude to all those who contributed to the realization of this milestone.
One of the pilots revealed how he has spent a decade with Ethiopian Airlines pointing out how it is an African fabric. He said the Airlines has a diverse staff saying it nice and he is happy that they welcomed them further enjoining patronage saying that will motivate them to keep coming.
Journalists that covered the inaugural flight of Boeing 787 also witnessed, on the 1st June, 2024 a return flight as well as a reception held at the prestigious Lagoonda Entertainment Complex a reception that was organized to commemorate the new development.
It should be noted that Ethiopian Airlines commenced flights via Ouagadougou starting May 31st. This new route links Freetown to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, with flights available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Additionally, passengers from Freetown can fly back to Addis Ababa on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Situated at 32 Main Motor Road, Congo Cross, Ethiopian Airlines welcomes the public to visit their office and discover a range of travel options. Whether for leisure or business purposes, their dedicated team is on hand to help travelers plan their journeys with convenience and professionalism.
