Air Sierra Leone inaugural flight will begin on December 2, 2024, following its official launch by the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay. During a press conference, Turay clarified that Air Sierra Leone, the chosen flag carrier, is privately owned rather than state-run. This clarification helped distinguish the airline’s ownership and its focus on private investment.
The inaugural flight will depart from London’s Gatwick Airport, heading to Freetown International Airport, on a six-hour journey. With the UK Air Operating Certificate (AOC) in hand, Air Sierra Leone is actively working towards securing a Sierra Leonean AOC. The decision to cover Sierra Leonean airspace with African airlines is a direct result of a presidential directive, according to the Minister. Turay emphasized that this strategic move will strengthen the nation’s aviation sector.
Further details indicate that Nigerian-based XeJet Aviation Limited will serve as the preferred technical partner to the flag carrier. This partnership may be the result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government of Sierra Leone.
Air Sierra Leone inaugural flight will operate with a fleet of three aircraft, consisting of a 50-seat Embraer and two Boeing 737s, capable of carrying 189 and 149 passengers respectively. This diverse fleet will ensure flexible travel options for various routes and passenger volumes.
At the conference, Emmanuel Iza of XeJet said they were on ground to unveil the wholly private company called Air Sierra Leone. He said Air Sierra Leone is not a mere airline but a symbol of national pride, progress and resilience. “The concept behind Air Sierra Leone centers on carrying the national flag, symbolizing hope and unity for all Sierra Leonians.”
Iza emphasized that the airline’s emergence will create numerous opportunities, opening doors to trade and tourism. He also highlighted that Air Sierra Leone is a company for Sierra Leonians, to be run and managed by them, ensuring it remains deeply rooted in national pride and progress.
Iza divided the airline’s foray into operations into three phases beginning with consolidating on the West Coast. “We are targeting destinations like Accra, Nigeria: Abuja and Lagos, as well as Dakar, Banjul, Abidjan, and Monrovia,” Iza explained. He added that the airline’s primary target is to transform Lungi International Airport into a hub for regional connections. This allows traffic to flow from multiple directions. Furthermore, in phase two, the focus will shift to connecting passengers from the West Coast to European destinations, with London Gatwick serving as a key stop. Phase three would be picking up passengers from the West Coast and bringing them to America.”
He also disclosed plans to expedite the airline’s entry into the United States market. “We initially estimated six to ten months to commence US flights, but we’re working to achieve this faster,” he said. Iza also assured that, despite the business-oriented nature of the venture, ticket prices would remain competitive. “While it is a business, and we must deliver returns to investors, our fares will still be affordable.”
Air Sierra Leone will offer a starting fare of US$999 for flights to London Gatwick, providing competitive pricing for travelers. Additionally, promotional fares will be available for as low as US$750, allowing passengers to save more on flights. These affordable options will make Air Sierra Leone an attractive choice for travelers during the airline’s initial operations.
Sierra Leone launched its first airline in 1958 with the formation of Sierra Leone Airways, marking a significant milestone. However, past attempts to establish a sustainable national carrier have not been successful, with challenges persisting. The most recent effort, Fly Salone, ceased operations on March 17, 2016, after struggling to maintain services.