“After over 15 years, the Sierra Leonean flag again takes to the skies, a beacon of hope, progress, and resilience for our beloved nation,” he declared, setting the tone for Air Sierra Leone’s ambitious journey ahead.

BY ANTHONY OMOH

In a moment of national pride, Air Sierra Leone’s inaugural flight from Freetown to Lagos touched down, marking the airline’s return. After 15 years, the national carrier arrived at 2 p.m., greeted by a traditional water cannon salute. Passengers, airline staff, and nationals of Sierra Leone were welcomed by the Sierra Leonean community in Lagos. They were met with songs, dance, and lively celebrations that filled Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s Terminal 1 with joy. The event reflected the pride and excitement of a nation as it reconnected with the world.

The significance of the day extended beyond aviation, symbolizing renewed hope, progress, and resilience for a nation poised to reclaim its place in regional and international travel. As dignitaries and representatives from Sierra Leone and Nigeria gathered to commemorate this milestone, the shared enthusiasm underscored the deep bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. 

In his address, Iza emphasized that the airline’s revival is more than just a return to the skies; it is a statement of purpose and a reflection of national pride. He noted that reintroducing the Sierra Leonean flag to the skies represented not only the country’s ambition but also its resilience in the face of challenges. “After over 15 years, the Sierra Leonean flag again takes to the skies, a beacon of hope, progress, and resilience for our beloved nation,” he declared, setting the tone for Air Sierra Leone’s ambitious journey ahead.

While reflecting on the challenges and triumphs leading to this historic day, Iza acknowledged the efforts of the dedicated team that brought the dream to fruition. He expressed profound gratitude to the governments and aviation authorities of Sierra Leone and Nigeria, whose collaborative efforts ensured the seamless relaunch of the airline. The CEO also commended his team for embodying the airline’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, making the airline a source of national pride and inspiration for the next generation.

As the airline looks forward to its future, General Manager Edgar Lacle shared critical insights into the airline’s operations and sustainability efforts. He revealed that Air Sierra Leone would operate flights to Lagos on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, using three Embraer 145s, a decision he believes is perfect for the route. “For a start, the aircraft type is perfect for the route. We’ll maintain our schedule and assess the market, adjusting where necessary,” Lacle said, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability as key strategies for the airline’s success.

Lacle further highlighted the strong ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, noting the significant demand for air travel driven by both trade and familial connections. “We have trade, we have movement, and, of course, the connection. There are many Nigerians who have stayed in Sierra Leone, and most of them are like Mali or Sierra Leoneans,” he explained, pointing out the cultural and economic bonds that would help sustain the airline’s success. “The connection between Sierra Leone and Nigeria is very strong, especially in terms of trade, so we have the market. Everybody is trying to take a part of that market,” he added.

On the subject of sustainability, Lacle said the airline is focused on its unique product offering, which sets it apart from other carriers. “Firstly, we have our products, and we are interested in pushing them. It’s quite different from any other products out there,” he affirmed. This distinction, coupled with the strong market demand, positions Air Sierra Leone for growth as it taps into the thriving Nigeria-Sierra Leone connection.

Looking forward, Iza reaffirmed Air Sierra Leone’s commitment to excellence and growth. “We aim to be more than just an airline; we aim to be an ambassador of Sierra Leone’s culture, values, and aspirations,” he concluded, reiterating the airline’s dedication to inspiring pride and fostering deeper connections between Sierra Leone and the world.

Air Sierra Leone’s inaugural flight to Lagos after 15 years epitomized its broader mission to foster connectivity and create opportunities while serving as an ambassador of Sierra Leone’s culture and aspirations.