SIERRA Leone’s Ministry of Transport has officially announced the launch of a new airline, Air Sierra Leone, which will begin flights to various international cities, including London, before the end of the year. This development is seen as a major step forward for the West African nation, especially in enhancing global connectivity and boosting tourism.
Despite all carriers registered in Sierra Leone currently being blacklisted by the European Commission, which restricts their access to European destinations, Air Sierra Leone will circumvent this by operating under a UK air operator’s certificate. Transport Minister Fanday Turay explained that the airline is seeking local authorisation but will initially function as a private entity rather than a national carrier.
First flights to London Gatwick in December
The airline is set to launch its first service on December 2 with three weekly flights from Freetown to London Gatwick. The fleet will include a 189-seat Boeing 737 Max 8 for the London route, as well as a 149-seat Boeing 737-400 and a 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 for other regional destinations.
Minister Turay expressed optimism about the airline’s impact, stating, ‘Through our support, [the carrier] is poised to enhance Sierra Leone’s global connectivity, stimulate economic development, and foster a sense of national pride as we embark on a new era in our aviation sector.’
Expanding regional and international connectivity
Air Sierra Leone’s initial network will focus on key African cities, with routes planned for Abidjan, Accra, Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar, and Conakry. The government also has long-term ambitions to extend the network to the United States by next year. The airline’s leadership includes newly appointed CEO Emmanuel Iza, and it will receive technical support from Nigerian operator XE Jet.
The Sierra Leonean government is also pushing to improve the country’s aviation standards, with efforts to lift the European Union ban imposed in 2006. Progress in the regulatory framework is underway, and the government claims ‘significant’ strides have been made toward this goal.
Boost to tourism
Sierra Leone’s tourism minister, Nabeela Farida Tunis, hailed the new airline as a vital boost for the country’s growing tourism industry. ‘This is a big moment in our country’s tourism development, as Air Sierra Leone will offer international visitors and diaspora easier access and better flight connectivity to this emerging destination, all for a more affordable price,’ she said.
With Air Sierra Leone’s debut, the government hopes to attract more visitors and create economic opportunities, particularly in the tourism sector, as the nation continues to grow its presence on the international stage.
