December 20, (THEWILL) – With Overland Airways coming to Sierra Leone through its newly launched Lagos-Freetown route network, stakeholders are upbeat about this development.
Overland Airways commenced its thrice-weekly direct flight services between Lagos and Freetown in Sierra Leone on Thursday, and it has been very successful.
The flight with state-of-the-art Embraer 175 which departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos at about 3:20 pm touched down at the Freetown International Airport (FIA) in Freetown, Sierra Leone at about 6:17 pm on Thursday evening, with water Cannon Salute by the Freetown International Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.
Speaking at a reception to welcome Overland Airways at the FIA, the Director General of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Mrs Musayeroh Barrie, commended the airline, stating that Overland’s entrance into Sierra Leone is a significant milestone in the growth of the aviation sector.
Mr 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 encourages investors and promotes 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 fulfilment 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, and Rescue and Fire Fighting Service amongst others.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Kwame Yaukson stated that they are happy for Overland to come 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, avoid delays, and cancellations except when 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 would ease the burden of travellers going to Nigeria and also eliminate complicated and long-duration journeys along the route.
“This is a testament to the 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 are as constant as the northern star. The Overland decision to serve Lagos-Freetown and other route networks is a good testament. Sierra Leone tourism potentials are yet untapped.”
With a brand new aircraft type that can carry 88 people in two classes, Boyo said Overland has plans for an initial three times flights 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 flights 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 its 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, and celebrities, amongst others.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
