By Chinelo Obogo
Air Sierra Leone, a privately-owned flag carrier, this week, commenced operations from Freetown to Lagos, with 36 passengers on board, marking the airline’s return to Nigerian skies after 15 years break.
The airline partnered with Nigeria’s Xejet to use its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to operate.
While delivering his welcome address, Xejet’s Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Iza, who was at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to welcome the flight, said the airline’s revival is reflection of national pride and 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. As we embark on this new chapter, Air Sierra Leone is committed to providing world-class service that reflects the warmth and hospitality of our people. We aim to be more than just an airline, we aim to be an ambassador of Sierra Leone’s culture, values,” he said.
Speaking during the event, ASL’s General Manager, Edgar Lacle, said the partnership with Xejet is technical, as the airline would provide three E145 aircraft, each with a 50-passenger seat capacity. He said the flights to Lagos are scheduled three times a week: on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Lacle said the partnership marks a significant step in strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria and with the introduction of the route, both countries would benefit from increased trade, tourism, and collaboration, further solidifying their relationship. On future prospects for the airline, he said they would maintain this service until the market grows and that as conditions improve, they would adapt and adjust its services to meet new demands.
“The partnership with Xejet is a technical one. They will provide the aircraft. We will be using the E145 aircraft with a 50-passenger seat capacity and the frequency to Lagos is three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We have our products which are quite different from any other products out there.
“The connection between Sierra Leone and Nigeria is very strong in terms of trade. We have the market, and everyone is trying to take part in that project. The major attraction is trade and movement. Trade is top, tourism is part of it, and the connection between both countries is strong. A lot of Nigerians have stayed, and many of them have married. We have all these connections. We expect a full load factor. Our aircraft suits the market and movement of passengers and will maintain this until we see the market change and grow, and we will adjust,” he said.