₦airaland Forum

Sierra Leone National carrier, Air Sierra Leone, has resumed its scheduled flight operations between Lagos and Freetown after over 15 years of inactiveness.

Air Sierra Leone returned to Nigeria in partnership with a Nigerian airline, XEJet.

While XEjet provides technical support to the airline, it also provides three operational aircraft for the airline to return to the country.

While speaking with journalists at the sideline of the inaugural flight ceremony, on Wednesday, at the Lagos airport, Air Sierra Leone General Manager, Edgard Lacle, expressed joy for the return of the airline to the country.

Lacle told journalists that the airline has secured permission to operate in the country three times weekly; on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Promising that the schedule will be increased as the number of passengers increases.

For the inaugural flight to Lagos, the airline boss said its aircraft conveyed 36 passengers into the country.

He said, “The connection between Sierra Leone and Nigeria is strong, especially in terms of trade and we have a market and everybody is trying to part in that market.

“The trade is top, tourism is part of it and the connection between Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

“The partnership is a technical one and they provide aircraft. The aircraft suits the market and movement of passengers. The moment we see the market changes we will adjust.”

Also speaking the Chief Executive Officer of XEJET, Iza Emmanuel, describes the event as a rebirth of the Air Sierra Leo in Nigeria.
He added that the airline was created as a beacon of hope, progress, and resilience for Sierra Leone.

He said “After over 15 years, the Sierra Leonean flag again takes to the skies. To our dignitaries and guests from Sierra Leone and Nigeria, your presence here today is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite our nations.

It is also a reflection of the shared vision of growth, connectivity, and opportunity for our people. We are truly honored to have you join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone.”

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), has been chosen by two regional operators, Afrijet and Air Sierra Leone (ASL), to handle their ground operations in Nigeria.

The Head of Corporate Communications, NAHCO, Mr Tayo Ajakaye, said this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

According to him, the contracts between the parties will see NAHCO provide excellent service for Afrijet’ flights into Port Harcourt and Lagos.
He said the company would also handle Air Sierra Leone’s flights into Lagos.

Ajakaye added that the contract with Afrijet was for a three-year period, from 2025 to 2027, while NAHCO would handle Air Sierra Leone, for five years, from 2025 to 2029.

He also said NAHCO’s Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, Mr Saheed Lasisi, expressed delight with the new contracts.

“We assure Afrijet and ASL that they have made the best choice any airline could have made. We welcome them to a smooth and fascinating experience,” he said.

Ajakaye also noted that the Group Managing Director Mr Olumuyiwa Olumekun, said NAHCO would always render quality, consistent and exceptional services.

“We cannot afford to give our valued clients any cause to complain. We are on top of this game for the long term.

“With the recent contracts, NAHCO has continued to make good progress in its quest to handle almost all ground operations for international airlines operating into and out of Nigeria.”

mohbadliveson:
Ordinary Sierra Leone yet Nigeria has no national airline. Keyamo has also pardoned Sirika.

zero8zero:
But it was Allen Onyema that was crying that FG should not float a national carrier. Seems you have a short memory.

HandyRex:
Have never being to the airport before let alone traveling by air. God when?
May I please humbly & sincerely request that u kindly assist me with something to get some food items? Have had nothing to eat today.

femisplash:
Nigeria is casting her net, how further can we launch, as far as South Africa, we recently had a renewed diplomatic ties with them. As far as Ghana, something big should be coming out soon, the new President is a friend of the house. And then, to far flung North Africa, we need a more robust interactions with them. There's nothing more enthusiastic than strengthening ties within the continent.