Air Sierra Leone Scheduled to Begin Operating on December 2, 2024
On December 2nd, 2024, Air Sierra Leone is set to commence operations with a 6-hour flight from Freetown (FNA) to London Gatwick (LGW). The Sierra Leone Transport and Aviation Minister, Hon Fanday Turay has announced the launch of a new private airline as a private venture aimed at offering travel options for passengers.
In a recent update to the Air Safety List, the European Union (EU) Aviation Safety Board has imposed operating bans or restrictions on air carriers that do not meet international safety standards. This includes a ban on all air carriers certified by the regulatory authorities of Sierra Leone. These measures are intended to ensure that only airlines adhering to established safety standards can operate in EU airspace.
The EU Air Safety List: The EU Air Safety List contains two lists: The first list (Annex A) includes all airlines banned from operating in Europe. The second list (Annex B) includes airlines that are restricted from operating under certain conditions in Europe. Both lists are updated regularly and published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Click the button to Preview or Download the Excel spreadsheet of The EU Air Safety List.
Developing: This article will be updated as new information is made available.
UPDATE: November 20, 2024: Fly Air Sierra Leone – Flight Booking Website.
CLICK HERE on the Air Sierra Leone photo to Check Offers and Manage Bookings.
Phone Contact Information: 'CLICK HERE'
Air Sierra Leone provides direct flights from Freetown to major international hubs, starting with its flagship route to London Gatwick. The airline aims to facilitate seamless travel that creates new opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange, effectively connecting Sierra Leone to the world and beyond.
A safety concern was raised previously.
The aircraft in question was confirmed by accident investigation authorities to have experienced a serious runway excursion during its landing at approximately 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the domestic terminal of Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The incident caused damage to the aircraft's nose landing gear and both main landing gears. The NSIB has released a preliminary report summarizing the sequence of events. For more details, Click HERE.
The situation regarding the Embraer ERJ-145LR, registration 5N-BZZ, previously N846HK. The aircraft formerly operated under the national carrier Xejet. The Chief Executive Officer for Xejet, Emmanuel Iza is also the CEO of the now-rebranded Air Sierra Leone and may now appear to be planning to use the same plane, 5N-BZZ, to fly Sierra Leoneans on regional routes.
Air Sierra Leone issued an apology to customers for the inconvenience caused. The airline emphasized its commitment to delivering excellent service, and its team is actively working to resolve the technical issues.
The airline had planned to open bookings for the new service on October 18, 2024, but cited technical issues as the reason for the delay.
The article will be updated as new information becomes available.
The new airline is to operate under a UK Air Operating Certificate (AOC) as it progresses towards obtaining its own Sierra Leonean AOC in the near future. This strategic move ensures that we meet international standards while expanding our global presence.
The airline will operate a fleet of three aircraft: two Boeing 737s with seating capacities of 189 and 149 passengers, and an Embraer aircraft with a capacity of 50 seats.
In May 2022, Xejet signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sierra Leone government to operate Air Sierra Leone, the national carrier. Emmanuel Iza serves as Xejet's Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Hon. Kabineh M. Kallon signed the original MoU on behalf of the government.
Source: EFCC probes Xejet Airline.
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Sierra Leone has implemented a "Visa On Arrival" policy, effective from Thursday, 5th September 2019.
To apply for a "Visa upon Arrival," you must complete the eVisa online application days before departure for approval processing. The eVisa single entry application fee is US$80 plus applicable fees (US$4.27 at the time of this update information) for credit card processing. To start the eVisa application click the link ‘Welcome to Government of Sierra Leone eVisa Application System.’ Note: Check your email inbox including the Spam folder for ‘Code’ to log in.
Apply for your VISA in 3 easy steps or check on the status of your application
Select nationality, visa type and fill required application form
Submit electronic application and payment
Receive confirmation of your visa application status via email
If you need help or have any questions, please contact the Sierra Leone Immigration: Phone number: +232 30 769115 | Email: info@slid.gov.sl | Address (for the record): 14 Gloucester Street, Freetown
Applying for your 'Security Pass' online.
Applying for your 'Security Pass' online, click the link 'Welcome to Securipass' and follow the online dialog.
Theo Edwards for YAME