AYV News, October 14, 2024
The Government of Sierra Leone has launched Air Sierra Leone, marking a major step forward in the country’s aviation industry, promising improved connectivity and opportunities for both domestic and international travelers.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay said Sierra Leone has made significant strides in the aviation sector, attracting foreign investments that have led to the development of an ultra-modern international airport, new airlines and an increase in flight frequencies to 50 per week.
The weekend marks another historic milestone with the launch of Air Sierra Leone, the country’s flag carrier airline.
Air Sierra Leone is not a National carrier but a flag carrier airline operating regionally and internationally but based in Sierra Leone. The flight is expected to start operations on 2nd December, 2024 with regional routes: Abidjan, Accra, Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar, Conakry, and Gatwick Airport, to be specific.
The airline will operate flights to key regional destinations, including Abidjan, Accra, Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar, Conakry, and Gatwick Airport. Flights will be scheduled three times a week – from Freetown to Gatwick on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10:40am and from Gatwick to Freetown on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10pm.
The Boeing 737 Max 8 will serve the London route, the aircraft is approximately 1.6 years old. Ticket cost is $999 with a promo offer of $750 on a first come first serve basis. It will be a 6-hour flight.
Air Sierra Leone will operate three flights featuring three configurations: 50-seater, 149-seater, and 189-seater.
Sierra Leone has opened its flight registration system and is now offering an airline operating Certificate (AOC). This initiative is a significant step towards removing Sierra Leone from the European blacklist, a status held since 2008.
Air Sierra Leone aims to create jobs for Sierra Leoneans, including positions for Air Stewardesses and administrative staff in Freetown. Training will be provided for cabin crew to meet global standards, and the airline plans to offer local cuisine, including Cassava leaves and Rice, onboard.
Emmanuel Iza serves as the CEO of Air Sierra Leone, with technical support provided by Xejet Limited in Nigeria.
