Air Sierra Leone, the national carrier of Sierra Leone, has resumed its scheduled flight operations between Lagos and Freetown after more than 15 years of inactivity.
The airline has partnered with Nigerian carrier XEJet for its return to Nigeria, with XEJet providing technical support and supplying three operational aircraft to support the airline’s re-entry into the country.
Speaking to journalists at the inaugural flight ceremony on Wednesday at Lagos airport, Air Sierra Leone General Manager Edgard Lacle expressed his excitement about the airline’s return. Lacle shared that the airline has been granted permission to operate three flights per week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—and indicated that the frequency would increase as passenger demand grows.
For its first flight to Lagos, Air Sierra Leone’s aircraft carried 36 passengers.
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.
