Overland Airways successfully launched its Lagos-Freetown inaugural flight service, marking a significant milestone in African aviation connectivity. The flight, operated with a state-of-the-art Embraer 175 aircraft, departed from Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) at 3:20 pm and landed at Freetown International Airport (FIA) at 6:17 pm. Upon arrival, the aircraft received a ceremonial water cannon salute from FIA’s Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, signaling a warm welcome to the airline.
Speaking at a reception event at FIA, the Director General of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Mrs. Musayeroh Barrie, lauded Overland Airways for enhancing regional air travel. She stated, “Overland’s entrance into Sierra Leone is a significant milestone in the growth of the aviation sector.” Highlighting the benefits of this new connection, she emphasized that the Lagos-Freetown service will boost tourism, trade, and investment between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, ultimately creating jobs and fostering partnerships.
In his address, Managing Director/CEO of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended by Sierra Leone. He underscored the airline’s mission to unify Africa through seamless air travel, noting that the Lagos-Freetown route is a testament to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). “We aim to create a unified system where travelers can move across Africa with ease and comfort,” Capt. Boyo said. He also highlighted Sierra Leone’s openness to business and described Overland Airways’ foray into Freetown as both an aviation venture and an investment in regional development. READ ALSO: Overland Airways Takes Delivery of Second Brand New Embraer E-175 Jet
General of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Mrs Musayeroh Barrie shortly after
the arrival of Overland Airways Lagos-Freetown inaugural flight
at Freetown International Airport (FIA) on Thursday.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Frank Azueke, highlighted the route’s ability to strengthen ties beyond mere physical travel. He also expressed optimism that the Lagos-Freetown connection will promote cultural exchange and foster deeper relationships between both nations’ citizens.
“This is not just about connecting cities but about uniting minds and hearts,” he remarked. Ambassador Azueke assured that the new network will greatly simplify travel, eliminating the complexities of previously long and challenging journeys.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Kwame Yaukson, warmly welcomed Overland Airways, expressing optimism about its tourism contributions.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of reliability and safety, stating that trust and punctuality are crucial for successful and sustainable aviation operations.
Additionally, Overland Airways plans to operate the Lagos-Freetown service thrice weekly, with the possibility of expanding to daily flights soon.
Capt. Boyo also revealed plans to extend the airline’s network to other West African destinations, including Banjul, Monrovia, Dakar, and Accra. He assured that Overland would focus on optimizing pricing to make air travel accessible without compromising quality.
The inaugural flight’s success exemplifies the collaborative spirit between Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, praised Overland Airways for integrating Sierra Leone into its growing network. He emphasized that this partnership underscores the immense opportunities in Sierra Leone’s aviation sector and its untapped tourism potential.
Overland Airways begins this ambitious journey with a firm commitment to strengthening regional ties and advancing Africa’s aviation industry.
The airline aims to enhance connectivity across the continent by delivering reliable, customer-focused services tailored to meet travelers’ evolving needs.
