… Gets SLCAA Commendation

Overland Airways, on Thursday commenced it’s thrice weekly direct flight services between Lagos and

Freetown in Sierra Leone with huge success. .

The flight with state-of-the-art Embraer 175 which departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos at about 3:20pm touched down at the Freetown International Airport (FIA) in Freetown, Sierra Leone at about 6:17pm Thursday evening with water Canon Salute by the Freetown International Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.

Speaking at a reception to welcome Overland Airways at the FIA, Director General of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Mrs Musayeroh Barrie commended the airline, stating that Overland entrance into Sierra Leone is a significant milestone in the growth of aviation sector.

Mrs. Barrie believes that, the new network between Nigeria and Sierra Leone will not only provide choices but will also enhance tourism, trade and investments, adding that the partnership will bring about job creation and investments in training.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the management of Overland Airways. We look forward to working with you. Together, we are shaping a future where aviation plays a prominent role and encourage investors and promote investments”, the DG said.

Earlier in his welcome speech, Managing Director/CEO of Overland Airways, Capt Edward Boyo said he is grateful for the support and warm reception the people of the Federal Republic of Sierra Leone accorded to Overland.

Noting that the new Lagos-Freetown network is a fulfillment of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), Boyo pointed out that, Overland’s foray into Freetown is not only about aviation but hinges on marketing and people.

“We in the airline are trying to unify the rules and regulations that divide us. We are here to make a unified system where you can travel from one part of Africa to another in comfort. Sierra Leone has shown that they are open for business. We are coming to Sierra Leone not as an airline but to invest”, Capt Boyo said.

He expressed gratitude to the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency, Brigadier General (rtd) Dr Julius Maada Bio and his cabinet, DG SLCAA, FIA operators, Ground Handling companies, Rescue and Fire Fighting Service amongst others.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Kwame Yaukson stated that they are happy for Overland coming to Sierra Leone because their interest is in the numbers and that with Overland, their numbers have increased.

Advising the airline management,  Yaukson added “It is not just about having a flight but it has to be reliable and safe which is very important in aviation. Be sure, you respect time and avoid delays, cancellations except it is very necessary”.

In his remark, Nigerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador, Frank Azueke stated that the Lagos-Freetown route network is not just about connecting two cities but about connecting minds and hearts.

   with the launch, Amb. Azueke assured that it will ease the burden of travellers going to Nigeria and also eliminate complicated and long duration journeys along the route. 

“This is a testament to progress outlook of Sierra Leone. It also speaks volumes of the foresight of Sierra Leone”, the Ambassador said.

Also, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay commended Overland Airways, assuring that the government and people of Sierra Leone welcome Overland.

Ambassador Turay  represented  by Senior Technical Advisor to the Minister, Dr Alberd Forde stated “Our bilateral ties is as constant as the northern star. Overland decision to serve Lagos-Freetown and other route networks is a good testament. Sierra Leone tourism potentials are yet untapped”.

With brand new aircraft type that can carry 88 people in two classes, Boyo said Overland has plans of an initial three times flight per week for a start on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays on the new route. He however, explained that, they will increase the frequency to 7-day daily flight every week.

Promising that the airline is not focusing on profits alone, the airline operator assured that, the carrier will ensure it optimises the price of their products. Boyo equally disclosed their expansion plans in the coming weeks, to include: Banjul, Monrovia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Dakar, Ghana, Ivory Coast and other route networks.

The inaugural flight manned by Capt Almir Suman had former Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Engr Benedict Adeyileka, NCAA officials, journalists, celebrities amongst others.