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After a 15-year break, Air Sierra Leone successfully completed its inaugural flight from Freetown to Lagos on Wednesday.
According to the airline's officials, this historic flight marks the beginning of a new chapter of connectivity, hope, and advancement for Sierra Leone. During the ceremony celebrating the revival of the national carrier, Emmanuel Iza, the chief executive officer of Air Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of the event, referring to it as the revival of a national symbol.
“This day represents more than just the launch of an airline; it signifies the revival of a national symbol,” Iza stated
He added, “After a 15-year break, the Sierra Leonean flag is once again in the skies, representing hope, progress, and resilience for the country.”
“Air Sierra Leone was established with the aim of linking Sierra Leone to the global community, fostering pride in the nation’s heritage, and creating transformative opportunities.”
“The first flight from Freetown to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos marks the start of this ambitious journey,” stated the CEO.
Iza also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the Air Sierra Leone team, government officials, aviation authorities, and partners in both nations for their steadfast support in turning this vision into reality.
As the airline begins this new chapter, Iza promised that Air Sierra Leone is dedicated to delivering world-class service that embodies the warmth and hospitality of the Sierra Leonean people, with aspirations to be an ambassador for Sierra Leone’s culture, values, and dreams.
“Air Sierra Leone is ready to expand, connect, and inspire. Together, we will continue to rise and reach greater heights. Let us celebrate this remarkable milestone and anticipate a future where Air Sierra Leone becomes a source of pride for our nation and a symbol of our resilience and ambition,” he remarked.
In addition, Air Sierra Leone’s general manager, Edgard Lacle, mentioned that XEJET is providing the aircraft for Air Sierra Leone.
He stated, “We have three aircraft that we will be utilizing with XEJET. The fleet includes Embraer 145 aircraft, which can accommodate around 50 passengers. The inaugural flight carried 36 passengers, indicating a promising beginning.
The airline will operate flights three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between Freetown and Lagos. This route has recently experienced increased competition, with a Nigerian airline also starting flights between Lagos and Freetown twice a week.
When questioned about the appeal of this market and how Air Sierra Leone intends to compete, Lacle highlighted the unique advantages of their offerings. “The strong trade links between Sierra Leone and Nigeria enhance the market’s potential, making Air Sierra Leone’s presence essential. Trade is the main driver of movement between the two nations, with tourism and family ties also playing significant roles.
“If I were to break it down into percentages, trade is the primary factor, tourism is included, and of course, the connections. There are many family ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, with numerous Nigerians residing here, and many are married to Sierra Leoneans,” Lacle observed.
The airline’s choice to operate smaller aircraft, like the Embraer 145, is a strategic move to ensure optimal load factors and align with the market’s passenger flow. “It’s a great decision, and that’s why we are using this type of aircraft. It fits the market and the movement of passengers,” Lacle expressed, showing optimism about the airline’s future.
