Sierra Leone’s new flag carrier, Air Sierra Leone, has commenced flight operations from Freetown to Lagos, Nigeria, as part of its expansion across Africa.
The airline has announced a technical partnership with Xejet, one of Nigeria’s domestic carriers, which will provide aircraft for its operations. The inaugural flight to Lagos took place on Wednesday and recorded a passenger load factor of 36 on its 50-seat capacity aircraft.
During the inaugural flight ceremony at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Edgard Lacle, the general manager of Air Sierra Leone, stated that the airline will operate three weekly flights to Lagos on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. “We will be using a 50-passenger seat capacity aircraft, and we had 36 passengers on this inaugural flight.
We have our own unique products and are excited to promote them, which are quite different from those offered by other airlines,” Lacle said. On the attraction to the Nigerian market, he commented on the strong connection between Sierra Leone and Nigeria in terms of trade. “
Trade is our primary focus, along with tourism. A significant number of Nigerians have established long-term ties in Sierra Leone, with many even marrying Sierra Leoneans. These connections are essential to us.” Lacle expressed optimism about achieving a full load factor, stating, “Our aircraft is well-suited for this market and passenger movement. We will maintain our current operations until we notice changes in the market and will adjust accordingly.”
Emmanuel Iza, the CEO of Xejet, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the significance of Air Sierra Leone’s inaugural flight. He remarked that it symbolizes the power of dreams, determination, and the collective effort of an entire nation. “This day is more than just the launch of an airline; it marks the rebirth of a national icon. After over 15 years, the Sierra Leonean flag is back in the skies, serving as a beacon of hope, progress, and resilience for our beloved nation.”
Addressing the dignitaries and guests from Sierra Leone and Nigeria, Iza added, “Your presence here today reflects the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite our nations and embodies our shared vision for growth, connectivity, and opportunity for our people.” He explained that Air Sierra Leone was established with a vision to connect Sierra Leone to the world, inspire pride in African heritage, and create transformative opportunities.
The inaugural flight from Freetown to Lagos symbolizes the beginning of that journey. “Air Sierra Leone is dedicated to providing world-class service that embodies the warmth and hospitality of our people. We aim to be more than just an airline; we strive to be ambassadors for Sierra Leone’s culture, values, and aspirations,” Iza concluded.
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