New carrier adopts UK-standard safety, eyes expansion in Europe, North America, and West Africa

BY ANHONY OMOH

Air Sierra Leone’s Start-Up Manager has reaffirmed the carrier’s commitment to international safety standards and announced an ambitious route expansion across key global markets, including Europe, North America, and West Africa.

Chief Operating Officer, XE Jet Limited, Mr. Sukh Mann, seconded to Air Sierra Leone to oversee its establishment, confirmed the airline’s adherence to UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) protocols. XE Jet Limited serves as Air Sierra Leone’s technical partner.

Last weekend, the airline launched direct flights to London Gatwick, fulfilling its earlier promise and marking a key milestone in its strategic development.

Partnership with Ascend Airways Ensures Compliance

Speaking at the Sofitel Hotel, London Gatwick, Mr. Mann explained that flights are operated by Ascend Airways, a UK-based carrier regulated by the UK CAA.

“We’ve partnered with one of the UK’s most respected carriers,” Mann stated. “Their global reputation and CAA oversight ensure that all our operations meet international safety expectations.”

He revealed that the approval process with the UK CAA was thorough and complex, but ultimately successful.

“Convincing the CAA to approve our model was challenging. It required teamwork and precision—but we achieved it. This removes any doubts about our safety compliance,” he added.

Supporting Sierra Leone’s Aviation Aspirations

Mann linked the airline’s safety agenda to national aviation goals, particularly efforts by the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority to remove the country from the European Union’s aviation safety blacklist.

“When Madame DG achieves that milestone, we will fully align with the standards needed to maintain Sierra Leone’s position among compliant nations,” he affirmed.

Strategic Focus on Key Corridors

Europe, North America, and West Africa are the airline’s primary markets, contributing nearly 90% of Sierra Leone’s passenger traffic.

“Over 200,000 passengers transit through Sierra Leone from these regions,” Mann noted.

He identified South Africa as a growing niche, driven by mining and investment connections, and highlighted East African hubs like Addis Ababa and Nairobi as key connectors.

“South Africa is not a large market but an important one. East African connections make regional travel feasible—this is why carriers like Ethiopian and Kenya Airways remain active in the sub-region,” he explained.

Enhancing Travel Access and Flexibility

Mann emphasised that Air Sierra Leone’s operations will improve travel convenience, especially for international passengers using Lungi International Airport.

“Traveling to and from Lungi with foreign carriers often takes up to two days. A home-based airline gives us control and reduces travel time,” he said.

Commitment to Global Standards

He concluded by reiterating the airline’s focus on safe, reliable operations as it looks to connect Sierra Leone to the world.

“We are well-regulated, prepared, and focused on connecting Sierra Leone globally—safely and efficiently,” Mann stated.