…bridges the gap between Nigeria and Sierra Leone
…..gets SLCAA commendation
Overland Airways, a Nigerian carrier, has commenced thrice-weekly direct flights between Lagos and Freetown, Sierra Leone, marking a significant milestone in the growth of aviation in the region.
The inaugural flight, which departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos at 3:20 pm on Thursday, arrived at Freetown International Airport (FIA) at 6:17 pm, with a water cannon salute by the FIA Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.
The new route, operated by a state-of-the-art Embraer 175 aircraft, is expected to enhance tourism, trade, and investments between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
The airline’s Managing Director/CEO, Capt. Edward Boyo, expressed gratitude to the people of Sierra Leone for their warm reception and support.
Capt. Boyo said, “We are not just an airline, but we are here to invest in the people and the country. Our goal is to unify the rules and regulations that divide us and make it easier for people to travel across Africa.”
The Director General of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Mrs. Musayeroh Barrie, commended Overland Airways for its entry into the Sierra Leonean market, describing it as a significant milestone in the growth of the aviation sector.
She added, “This new network between Nigeria and Sierra Leone will not only provide choices but will also enhance tourism, trade, and investments. We look forward to working with Overland Airways and promoting investments in the country.”
The airline plans to increase the frequency of its flights to seven days a week, with an initial three times a week service on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Overland Airways also plans to expand its route network to include Banjul, Monrovia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Dakar, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and other destinations.
The launch of the Lagos-Freetown route is seen as a major boost to regional connectivity, with the airline’s Managing Director/CEO, Capt. Edward Boyo, describing it as a fulfillment of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative.
The inaugural flight was attended by dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Kwame Yaukson, Nigerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Frank Azueke, and Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, who was represented by Senior Technical Advisor to the Minister, Dr. Alberd Forde.
The airline’s commitment to safety and reliability was emphasized by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Kwame Yaukson, who advised the airline to respect time and avoid delays and cancellations except in exceptional circumstances.
The launch of Overland Airways’ direct flights between Lagos and Freetown is expected to ease the burden of travelers and eliminate complicated and long-duration journeys along the route, making it easier for people to connect with each other and do business across the region.
