Air Sierra Leone's 1st Airline Prepares for Inaugural London Service with Government Backing

The Sierra Leone government is supporting the launch of the startup airline Air Sierra Leone (ASL), which is set to operate its first flight between Freetown and London Gatwick on December 2, 2024. The official launch of Sierra Leone's new airline marks a significant milestone in the country's aviation sector, announced on Oct. 12, 2024, by the country's Minister of Transport Alhaji Fanday Turay at a conference attended by the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) Madam Musayeroh Barrie.

Air Sierra Leone, a privately owned airline, will initially operate under a UK Air Operating Certificate (AOC) while working to secure a Sierra Leonean AOC. The airline's fleet will consist of a Boeing 737 Max 8, a Boeing 737-400, and an Embraer 145, according to the Minister's post on X.

“The Ministry of Transport and Aviation (MTA) takes pride in supporting this landmark initiative," Minister Turay said. "Through our backing, ASL is positioned to enhance Sierra Leone’s global connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and foster national pride as we enter a new chapter in our aviation sector.”

ASL is a subsidiary of Nigerian private airline Xejet and is aiming to become the new Sierra Leonean flag carrier. The SLCAA is currently processing ASL's application for an air operator's certificate (AOC), which, if approved, would be the first AOC issued by the authority since 2008. 

In 2022, the Sierra Leonean government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Xejet, enabling the Nigerian carrier to operate regional and international flights out of Freetown's Lungi International Airport. Xejet, a strategic partner to ASL, operates a fleet that includes two CRJ200s and three ERJ145s. Emmanuel Iza has been appointed CEO of Air Sierra Leone, with Xejet providing technical support to ensure smooth operations.

Air Sierra Leone is planning to launch regional and international flights. Alongside its London route, it aims to serve key destinations in West Africa, including Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Accra (Ghana), Banjul (The Gambia), Dakar (Senegal), and Conakry (Guinea).

Air Sierra Leone is also interested in expanding to Liberia, and the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority is evaluating the airline's readiness to comply with Liberian aviation regulations as announced in a statement on September 11, 2024.