Wings in Reel captures a vibrant week in aviation filled with key developments and engaging moments that lit up our lens. From Air Sierra Leone’s historic inaugural flight into Gatwick, London, to two safety-critical events held by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the industry buzzed with activity.
In Kampala, Uganda, the RSOOs-RAIO Workshop brought regional stakeholders together to align safety oversight goals. Back home, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) remained visible across various fronts, strengthening its commitment to weather services and safety.
With help from contributors across the industry, NigerianFLIGHTDECK has curated these highlights into Wings in Reel: A Visual Chronicle of Aviation in Motion — your snapshot of the week that was.
Air Sierra Leone’s Historic Leap
The West African carrierlaunched its international ambitions with a maiden touchdown at London Gatwick — a milestone move for the airline.
Air Sierra Leone’s 737-Max aircraft after touching down at Gatwick London, hoisting the Union Jack and the Sierra Leone national flag
Pomp and paegentry as Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) Madam Musayeroh Barrie makes her way to welcome the flight with the Chief Executive Officer of XEJet, Mr. Emmanuel Iza
Aviation Consultant, Mr. Sean Mendes, Chief Executive Officer of XEJet, Mr. Emmanuel Iza and Chief Operating Officer, XEJet, Mr. Sukh Mann during the inaugural flight of Air Sierra Leone to Gatwick London. XEJet are technical partners to ASL
Dr. Elias Oche with the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Secretary General of African Civil Aviation Commission, Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi and Chief Executive Officer XEJet, Mr. Emmanuel Iza celebrating the Gatwick London flight inauguration
Chief Operating Officer XEJet, Mr. Sukh Mann with Mr Stefano Di Lella from École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC) representing the ENAC President, Mr Di Palma
Chief Operating Officer, Air Sierra leone, Obi Mbanozou, Aviation Consultant, Mr. Sean Mendes, with and Dr. Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, Managing Director, Rokel Commercial Bank (m), while Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) Madam Musayeroh Barrie and Chief Operating Officer, XEJet, Mr. Sukh Mann fielding questions at the inaugural flight of Air Sierra Leone to Gatwick London.
Chief Operating Officer, XE Jet Limited, Mr. Sukh Mann, seconded to Air Sierra Leone
NCAA Hosts Twin Safety Events
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority led two impactful sessions focused on safety oversight, accountability, and sustainable air operations.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana
Director General NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo
Former Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Harold Demuren in a warm handshake with Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana at the Aviation Security’s Stakeholders Symposium organised by the NCAA The Director general Captain Chris Najomo at the background..
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana handing a plaque to the Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku with the Director General NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, flanking the PS while Director of Aviation Security, Dr. Be Omogo and GM Security, Mr. Peter Amasa flanks the FAAN helmsman during the NCAA Aviation Security Enlightenment Symposium to Enhance Safer Airport Development in Lagos
Past and President: Former Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Dr. Harold Demuren and current Director General Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo at the Aviation Security’s Stakeholders Symposium organised by the NCAA.
From left, Director of Air Transport Regulatory, (DATR), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA)Mrs. Yinka Babaoye-Iriobe, Director Special Duty, NCAA, Horatius Egua, Director of Aerodrome & Airspace Standard, (DAAS), Engr. Balang Godwin, DG/CEO, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo and Director of Human Resources & Admi. (NCAA), Dr. (Mrs.) Anastasia Gbem during the Airstrip Owners/Operators Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana in a handshake with Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu while DG NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, Director Special Duty, NCAA, Mr. Horatius Egua and Special Assistant to the DG on Consumer Protection, Ms. Ifeuko Abdulmallik during the Airstrip Owners/Operators Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Director Special Duty, NCAA, Horatius Egua, Director of Aerodrome & Airspace Standard, (DAAS), Engr. Balang Godwin, during the Airstrip Owners/Operators Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Dr. Harold Demuren with Director of Security, Dr. Ben Omogo at the Aviation Security’s Stakeholders Symposium organised by the NCAA.
Director Special Duty, NCAA, Horatius Egua, Director of Aerodrome & Airspace Standard, (DAAS), Engr. Balang Godwin, during the Airstrip Owners/Operators Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
From left: Special Guest, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Kana; Keynote Speaker, former DG NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren; Host, Director of Aviation Security, Nigeria Civil AviationAuthority (NCAA), Chief Host, Director General NCAA, Capt. Chris O. Najomo; Dr. Ben Omogo; during the NCAA Aviation Security Enlightenment Symposium to Enhance Safer Airport Development in Lagos
Director Special Duty, NCAA, Mr. Horatius Egua and Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu during the Airstrip Owners/Operators Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Rubbing of Minds: Dr. Harold Demuren at the Aviation Security’s Stakeholders Symposium organised by the NCAA. with Director of Security, Dr. Ben Omogo, Mr. Peter Amasa sharing ideas
Regional Aviation Unites in Kampala
The RSOOs-RAIOWorkshop in Uganda gathered African aviation leaders to reinforce cooperation in regional safety and regulatory practices.
Commissioner, Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), Engineer Charles Irikefe Erhueh during the panel discussion
Mr. Fari Zizi of the France Aviation Civil Services and key resource at the RSOO-RAIO Workshop
Director of Legal Services, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Mary Tufano
Charles Erhueh: Engr. Charles Irikefe Erhueh – Commissioner of BAGAIA , Capt. Immaculate Apolot – Manager Flight Operations, CASSOA, Engr. Mamadou Gningue, Dìrector General of BEA of Senegal and Engr. Fredrick Kabunge, Ag. Director of Kenya AAID at the panel session of the RSOO-RAIO Workshop in Uganda
Engineer Irikefe Erhueh expatiating a point during the panel discussion
Moderator of the Regional Accident Investigation Organisation (RAIO) Panel Session Rene Tavares Regional Officer ICAO-WACAF with BAGAIA Commissioner, Engineer Charles Irikefe Erhueh
Dinner/traditional Night at the three day RSOOs -RAIO Validation Workshop in Kampala, Uganda delegates enjoying the native drums of traditional Ugandan dancers
Delegates at the three day RSOOs -RAIO Validation Workshop in Kampala, Uganda attended by Commissioner Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), Engineer Charles Irikefe Erhueh.
Dinner/traditional Night at the three day RSOOs -RAIO Validation Workshop in Kampala, Uganda , delegates enjoying dinner and a show from traditional Ugandan dancers
NiMet Keeps Eyes on the Skies
NiMet actively engaged in weather and climate-related initiatives, reinforcing its role in aviation safety and operational forecasting.
Left To Right: Mukhtar Y. Tanko, National Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Professor Charles Anosike, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, and Jonathan Lehe, Chief Strategy Officer at Precision Development (PxD), during a meeting at NiMet’s Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 29th April 2025, to discuss partnership in developing a customized Digital Precision Agricultural Extension (DPAE) platform for smallholder farmers in Northern Nigeria.
NiMet DG/CEO Prof. Charles Anosike (3rd right) and other guests at the Abuja City Environmental Sustainability Summit, which was held on Tuesday, 29th April 2025, organized by Comrade Yussuf Olatunji Kelani, the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters.
