By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

In a bid to curb the unprecedented challenges in the aviation sector going for  over the years in the country, on Saturday 12th October, 2024, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation (SLCVA) together with Air Sierra Leone Company Limited(ASLCL) has unveiled a new airline at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. Speaking to journalists, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay said Air Sierra Leone company limited is a private own business aimed to improve the standards of traveling within the sub-region, adding that the new innovation will create a huge landmark in the future.

“Air Sierra Leone is a secretive air transport system owned by a credible business tycoon in Africa. We are ready to support the dream of President Bio’s Big-Five-Changers; transportation is one of bedrock for nation building. As a registered company, it will create space for more job-seekers with great benefits,” he said.

Musayero Barrie, Director General, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority said the issuing  of tickets price, registration, compliance, assessment, oversite and security matters are done by SLCVA in order to observe international best practices in and within the Aviation industry.

He talked of the challenges on air traveling across the globe now.

“Air Sierra Leone is reliable and affordable for passages and all Sierra Leoneans using the Airport route to do business. The landing fee is inclusive in all charges, we believe in service delivery and tangible performances despite. But, more progress has been done within the shortest possible time,” she told the audience.

According to Emmanuel Iza, the Chief Executive Officer, Air Sierra Leone Limited new Airline will start operations in December 2nd 2024, and the days of operations are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, noting that the media is key a stakeholder in the promotion of their product.

“Our route will cover Liberia, The Gambia, Senegal etc, four Sierra Leoneans are presently training in Nigeria as  crew, boing 737 Max 8 (189 seax).

Air Sierra Leone capacity is 50 for the first phase. “We are ready to improve with more facilities and a  ticket price per person is $990 while promotional is $750.”

Dspite it is a private owned business, Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad are encouraged to apply because the opportunity is for everybody, he said.