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 has announced the launch of a new private airline as a private venture to offer passengers travel options.
Theo Edwards for YAME DigitalUPDATE: Expanding the article will reveal more information about the Fly Air Sierra Leone website and its inclusion on the European Union (EU) Aviation Safety List.
Fly Air Sierra Leone
Launched October 12, 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.
**ALERT: December 3, 2024** - The launch of the flagship route to and from London Gatwick by Air Sierra Leone has been delayed. As a result, the flight booking website for this route is currently unavailable. This delay is due to logistics and operational readiness issues.
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**ALERT: December 3, 2024** - The launch of the flagship route to and from London Gatwick by Air Sierra Leone has been delayed. As a result, the flight booking website for this route is currently unavailable. This delay is due to logistics and operational readiness issues. 〰️
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.
“As a new airline, Air Sierra Leone is committed to offering world-class service emphasizing safety, comfort, and seamless connectivity.”
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.
“One of the three aircraft, the ERJ operated by Nigeria’s XeJet Aviation, the Embraer ERJ-145LR registered as 5N-BZZ, previously documented as N846HK, had its airframe information verified using data from accident investigation authorities. At the time, the runway 18L surface was contaminated with water due to heavy rainfall. ”
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.
“UPDATE: October 26, 2024: Air Sierra Leone Delays the Launch of Flight Bookings from Freetown to London Gatwick due to technical issues.”
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.
RELATED
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.””
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 Digital
Sierra Leone Becomes "Visa On Arrival" Country
Visit Sierra LeoneEffective Thursday 5th September 2019, the West African country, Sierra Leone, has through its Immigration Department and Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs introduced a new "Visa On Arrivals Policy" which now allows visitors from different countries to travel to Sierra Leone where they can get their respective Visas on arrival at a minimum cost of US $28 for African countries and US $80 for other countries in the world. Sierra Leone Becomes "Visa On Arrival" Country.
By Sylvester SambaUPDATE: To apply for a "Visa upon Arrival," complete the eVisa online application before departure. Read the updated article for more information.
Except for ECOWAS nationals who are already on Visa-free movement
“To apply for a “Visa upon Arrival,” you must complete the eVisa online application.”
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.
Dr. Memunatu Pratt, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affair
Effective Thursday 5th September 2019, the West African country, Sierra Leone, has through its Immigration Department and Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs introduced a new "Visa On Arrivals Policy" which now allows visitors from different countries to travel to Sierra Leone where they can get their respective Visas on arrival at a minimum cost of US $28 for African countries and US $80 for other countries in the world. Sierra Leone Becomes "Visa On Arrival" Country.
Except for ECOWAS nationals who are already on Visa-free movement, the new Visa on Arrival policy was rolled-out for travelers from the following countries or block: United Kingdom, European Union, United States, Commonwealth countries, Gulf Cooperation Council member countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman), BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Iran, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Israel, Bolivia, East Timor, Macau, Samoa, Tuvalu.
Sierra Leone's Chief Immigration Officer, Mr. Andrew Jaiah KaiKai said countries not listed are required to visit the nearest Sierra Leone Embassy or Mission abroad to secure visas before visiting Sierra Leone.
“All persons coming to Sierra Leone for the purpose other than tourism, visit or business needs to apply for a visa before undertaken such travel...We wish to reassure all potential visitors of a continuing hassle-free visa processing experience”
Speaking to journalists in the capital of Freetown, the Chief Immigration Officer maintained that the decision for the introduction of this new policy is part of government's commitment to promote tourism and attract foreign direct investment in Sierra Leone. A notice has already been put out to the public and correspondence sent to airline operators, Sierra Leone Embassies and Missions overseas, International Air Transport Association (IATA), International partners and other government bodies.
Sierra Leone's Chief Immigration Officer, Andrew Jaiah Kaikai
Mr. Kaikai assured Sierra Leoneans that the Visa on Arrival policy will not compromise the country's security, adding that his government together with the relevant stakeholders such as the Office of the National Security (ONS), International Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the Immigration Department will profile visitors to make sure that they do not have a questionable character before entering the country.
As potential visitors were struggling with our embassies abroad to receive a Visa to Sierra Leone, such bold step by the government to introduce this new policy will help the country to be very close to the rest of the world, said the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt.
Dr. Pratt noted this is a step in the right direction, given that the country's tourism sector has been in crisis over the years. She added that the non-availability of Sierra Leonean foreign missions in most of the world has proved challenging for people who want to visit the country. Still, the introduction of the Visa on Arrival policy will allow visitors to get in and have a Visa right at the Freetown International Airport.
The Minister said they are again planning to take another giant step to meet with the Board of Airlines operating in the country and the Hotel Owners' Association to drop the prices for airline tickets and hotels which, she noted, are quite expensive and pose a challenge for tourists to visit Sierra Leone.
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The ‘A B C’ of Dual Citizenship
UK travel red list cut to just seven countries
The number of countries on the UK Covid travel red list will be cut from 54 to seven, the government says.
South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico come off the red list, which requires travelers to quarantine in an approved hotel at their cost for 10 full days.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the changes begin on Monday and "mark the next step" in opening travel.
By George Bowden /BBC News
By George Bowden
BBC News
The number of countries on the UK Covid travel red list will be cut from 54 to seven, the government says.
South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico come off the red list, which requires travelers to quarantine in an approved hotel at their cost for 10 full days.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the changes begin on Monday and "mark the next step" in opening travel.
In full: 47 places removed from red list
The following destinations will be removed from the red list from 04:00 BST on Monday:
Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Congo (Democratic Republic), Costa Rica, Cuba. Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Georgia, Guyana, Indonesia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mayotte, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Philippines, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Source: Department for Transport
To read the entire article, go to BBC Africa.
RELATED ARTICLE
Sierra Leone joins red-listed countries banned from entering the UK due to rising Covid cases
You will only be allowed entry if you are a British or Irish National or have residence rights in the UK.
via Sierra Leone Telegraph
Covid-19
Delta variant
You will only be allowed entry if you are a British or Irish National or have residence rights in the UK.
British Government today announced that on Monday 19th July at 4 AM, Sierra Leone will be joining a long list of countries with a very high prevalence of Covid infections from which travelers are banned from entering England.
Meaning that if you are entering England from Sierra Leone, you will only be allowed entry if you are a British or Irish National or you have residence rights in the UK.
In which case, before you travel to England, you must take a COVID-19 test; book a quarantine hotel package including 2 COVID-19 tests, and complete a passenger locator form.
Your Covid test result should be provided as a printed document or an email or text message you can show on your phone.
If you do not present proof of a negative Covid test, you may not be able to board your flight to England from Freetown. And arriving in England without proof of a negative test, you may be fined £500.
You must provide the original test result notification. It must include the following information:
your name, which should match the name on your travel documents
your date of birth or age
the result of the test
the date the test sample was collected or received by the test provider
the name of the test provider and their contact details
confirmation of the device used for the test, or that the test was a PCR test
If the test result does not include the information, you may not be able to board your flight. And if you arrive in England without a test result including the above information, you might have to pay a £500 fine.
If your test result is positive, you must not travel. You must follow local rules and guidelines laid down by the government of Sierra Leone for positive coronavirus cases. If the result is inconclusive, you must take another test.
British nationals who need consular assistance should contact the British High Commission in Freetown.
Children aged ten and under do not need to take a test. If you are an adult, you do not need to take a test if you are traveling to the UK for urgent medical treatment or accompanying someone traveling for urgent medical treatment. And that it is not reasonably practical to obtain a negative COVID-19 test in the three days before departure; or have a medical condition which means you cannot take a test. You must present a note from a medical practitioner at check-in and to Border Force staff on arrival in England.
Providing false or deliberately misleading information when filling out your passenger locator form before traveling to England is an offense punishable by imprisonment.
You could be fined up to £10,000 or imprisoned for up to 10 years or; both. Or if you do not provide accurate details about the countries you visited the ten days before you arrived in the UK.
Before you travel to England, you must book a managed quarantine hotel where you will quarantine- The quarantine package must include a quarantined hotel, food and drink, quarantine transfers, and travel test package COVID-19 on day2 and day8 of quarantine.
You will need to book, and pay for, a Quarantine Package before you complete your passenger locator form and board your return journey to the UK. You will only be able to book this within the two weeks before arriving in the UK.
If you break the quarantine rules, you may face a penalty of up to £10,000.
The decision by the British government to downgrade Sierra Leone from its amber list to red list was expected, after over one thousand (1000) cases of Covid were recorded in just four weeks in June.
Although the number of people that have died remains relatively low at 102, there are fears this figure may be much higher.
Two weeks ago, the government of Sierra Leone announced new Covid restrictions across the country, including an 11 PM to 5 AM curfew and the closure of all places of worship – except for funerals.
The British government says it will keep its list under constant review. Meanwhile, it “advises against all but essential travel to Sierra Leone based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.”
Article by Abdul Rashid Thomas via Sierra Leone Telegraph
Guidelines: Arriving and Departing by Air
Sierra Leone: Post-COVID19: Travel
The Government of Sierra Leone and Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Sierra Leone Airports Authority, and the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (NaCOVERC). Publish the following safety and public health guidelines shall be strictly adhered to by all arriving and departing passengers to /from the Freetown International Airport - Lungi.
Sierra Leone
Post-COVID-19: Travel
Following the declaration made by His Excellency Brig. (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio on the resumption of commercial flight operations on the 22nd of July 2020.
The Government of Sierra Leone and Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Sierra Leone Airports Authority, and the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (NaCOVERC). Publish the following safety and public health guidelines shall be strictly adhered to by all arriving and departing passengers to /from the Freetown International Airport - Lungi.
Arriving Passengers
All passengers shall produce a-negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result issued no longer than 72hrs before departure at the point of origin.
At the check-in desk at the airport of embarkation, passengers are required to display travelers’ authorization to Sierra Leone, received through the Government of Sierra Leone travel portal (www.travel.gov.sl). The travel authorization consists of:
Negative PCR COVID-19 test result issued no longer than 72 hours before departure
Pre-departure Public Health Passenger Locator Form
Proof of payment for COVID-19 testing on arrival paid through the online platform
Health officials will collect temperature, and a Basic health screening data and seat number on arrival.
All passengers subject to a mandatory COVID-19 test upon arrival:
Passengers will simultaneously have a PCR test swab and an RDT test on arrival
If the RDT screening is negative, passengers are allowed to depart from the airport and observe public health protocols mandatory, proper mask-wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing while awaiting their PCR test result
If the RDT screening if positive, passengers will be isolated at a hotel in Lungi while awaiting their PCR test result. Note: The cost of the accommodation at the hotel borne by the passenger
For all test results, the PCR result supersedes the RDT result
PCR results will be disseminated via the local contact number confirmed by the passenger on arrival
All children under 2-years shall be exempt from pre-departure and arrival PCR test requirements.
Airline crew are exempted from the pre-departure and arrival PCR test requirements and should follow airline policy for testing. The airline crew must adhere to public health protocols.
Two temperature screenings conducted by Port Health Services. If the temperature 37.5 degrees Celsius or above, the passenger' will be taken aside for further observation.
All passengers shall go through a walk-through disinfectant channel/Infrared temperature scanner at the entrance of the arrival hall.
All passengers with machine-readable passports shall go through the Immigration E-gate system. Passengers with Emergency Travel Certificates or non-machine-readable passports shall go through the Immigration booth.
At the Baggage Reclaim section, passengers shall maintain social distancing and observe all public health protocols, including proper use of face mask at all times.
All passengers will be directed to a Reception Lounge while awaiting their COVID-19 test.
Passengers with a negative RDT screening test, are cleared to proceed to their destination while awaiting their PCR result and adhering to public health protocols. PCR test results (available in no more than 48 hours) will be distributed via the contact confirmed on arrival.
If a passenger’s PCR test is positive, s/he will be contacted by public health authorities and taken to an appropriate treatment center.
Passengers sitting near a positive case on the plane will be considered primary contacts. Self-quarantine and monitoring by public health officials will be required.
All passengers strictly advised observing all public health protocols (proper and constant use of face mask, hand washing/sanitizing, social distancing) as directed by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation / NaCOVERC.
The same protocols shall apply to all VIP passengers.
Departing Passengers
All passengers are subject to a mandatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID19 test with a negative result issued no longer than 72hrs before departure at the Freetown International Airport. Cost for the test borne by the passenger.
Passengers will use the Government of Sierra Leone Travel Portal to request their pre-departure test, to pay for the test, and to schedule sample collection
Passengers with negative PCR results will receive e-confirmation and certificates ahead of travel. Physical copies collected at the airport at a designated desk
Passengers with positive PCR results will not be permitted to travel and must follow public health protocols for isolation and contact tracing. They will be re-tested after seven days
Passengers who have entered Sierra Leone within five days shall be exempt from the mandatory additional test on departure
All children under 2-years shall be exempt from PCR test requirements
On arrival at the airport, passengers shall be directed to a reception area to avoid congestion and ensure social distancing during the check-in process.
All passengers are encouraged to complete their check-in online before arriving at the airport
All departing passengers shall go through the thermal screening/disinfectant channel at the airport’s departure entrance.
All departing passengers shall have their passport/traveling document verified before proceeding to the check-in counter.
Departing passengers shall proceed to the check-in counter for baggage drop and collection of their boarding pass. While at the check-in counter, they are mandated to produce their COVID-19 PCR negative test certificate or e-certificate issued within the past 72 hours.
Departing passengers shall proceed to the immigration services for onward travel authorization via the e-gate or immigration booth.
All departing passengers shall go through security screening before proceeding to the departure hall.
All departing passengers shall proceed to the waiting lounge where social distancing, proper use of face mask, and other health protocols shall be strictly observed.
All passengers shall proceed to the final screening and verification point prior to boarding the aircraft.
Boarding procedures shall be in accordance with the approved SOPs of the respective airlines.
All passengers are strictly advised to observe all public health protocols (proper use of face mask, hand washing/sanitizing, observe social distancing) as directed by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation / NaCOVERC.
The same protocols shall apply to all VIP passengers.
The Government of Sierra Leone and Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Sierra Leone Airports Authority, and the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (NaCOVERC). Publish the following safety and public health guidelines shall be strictly adhered to by all arriving and departing passengers to /from the Freetown International Airport - Lungi.
RELATED
Air Senegal to launch Geneva and London; Milan, Madrid, Rome next?
Abidjan, Bamako, Banjul, Bissau, Conakry, Freetown, Nouakchott, and Praia are available over Dakar on a two-way basis, with connections within about two hours in both directions. London – Freetown, for example, is a market of ~36,000 passengers, with timings as follows:
Freetown – Dakar: 1945 – 2230; Dakar – London: 0015 – 0625
London – Dakar: 0750 – 1405; Dakar – Freetown: 1600 – 1845
By Theo Edwards: Source: anna aero (airline network news and analysis)
Air Senegal has announced both Geneva and London, its fourth and fifth destinations in Europe
By Theo Edwards: Source: anna aero (airline network news and analysis)
Abidjan, Bamako, Banjul, Bissau, Conakry, Freetown, Nouakchott, and Praia are available over Dakar on a two-way basis, with connections within about two hours in both directions.
Air Senegal’s growth continues. In December, it added Dakar to Lagos via Accra; Abuja via Niamey; Casablanca; and Barcelona via Marseille. Freetown via Banjul is coming in June. The carrier is focusing significantly on hub-and-spoke, in contrast to the previous point-to-point Senegal Airlines. A highly coordinated hub is an obvious strategy for Air Senegal, partly given its geographic position.
Air Senegal has announced both Geneva and London, its fourth and fifth destinations in Europe. The carrier is to lease two 165-seat A321s – 149 economy seats, 16 lie-flat business – for these routes, and also for Abidjan, Casablanca, and Conakry.
Shown here are its West Africa – North Africa / Europe – West Africa connections, all well coordinated for connectivity over Dakar. Other African cities, such as Accra and Lagos, are timed to connect with other cities in West Africa (i.e., most of those that Europe connects with) rather than to Europe. Source: OAG Mapper.
Green = already served or announced. Blue = unserved. Geneva and London will be served non-stop. Marseille and Barcelona are currently linked in a triangle. Perhaps the A220-300 will be used to serve some thinner destinations, such as Toulouse? Source: OAG Traffic Analyser.
Geneva has ~69,000 passengers; London ~108,000
Geneva is a market of ~69,000 (Dakar point-to-point and demand to connecting destinations), and it will be partly driven by demand from the United Nations. It’ll probably also attract some of Lyon’s ~65,000 passengers, at least non-stop to Dakar, given the two cities are only 93 miles apart. London is a market of ~108,000 (excluding non-stop traffic to Banjul). It is reported that Stansted was chosen due to no early morning slots at Gatwick, with Air Senegal’s timings (or very similar) crucial for connectivity over Dakar.
Up to eight connecting destinations so far over Dakar
Its timings are, of course, based on maximizing connectivity to/from West Africa. Although it does vary a little based on day, Abidjan, Bamako, Banjul, Bissau, Conakry, Freetown, Nouakchott, and Praia are available over Dakar on a two-way basis, with connections within about two hours in both directions. London – Freetown, for example, is a market of ~36,000 passengers, with timings as follows:
Freetown – Dakar: 1945 – 2230; Dakar – London: 0015 – 0625
London – Dakar: 0750 – 1405; Dakar – Freetown: 1600 – 1845
Milan, Madrid, and Rome next?
Air Senegal’s European routes each had 60,000+ passengers before starting. Barcelona, Geneva, and Marseille also had local Dakar traffic averaging 47% of their total. Presumably, Marseille (~64,000) and Barcelona (~75,000) – each a good-sized market – will one day benefit from being de-tagged and served non-stop by A321s rather than on a triangle basis by the A330-900.
The figure, (Top 10 European markets for Air Senegal), shows the estimated two-way demand for Dakar and Air Senegal’s eight connecting destinations in the year to November 2019. For fairness, these numbers exclude any non-stop passengers as they’d be less likely to switch. Excluding short-term demand impacts from the coronavirus, Milan (76,000), Madrid (63,000), and Rome (58,000) seem good contenders for Air Senegal’s future European expansion. As is Lyon itself (65,000), but that’s now less certain given Geneva.
Milan stands out. Its ~76,000 is based on ~41,000 indirect Dakar traffic. Air Italy currently operates Milan Malpensa – Dakar four-weekly by the A330-200. However, the carrier is to cease operating. Therefore, it is fair to add its ~78,000 non-stop passengers, meaning Milan is a potential market of ~154,000.
Idris Elba Arrived In His Father´s Native Sierra Leone For The First Time
Idris Elba arrived in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, for the first time where he is due to receive Sierra Leone citizenship and celebrate Christmas with the President, Julius Maada Bio, according to government sources. Elba planned to visit Sherbro Island renowned for its pristine tropical beaches. The country hopes to revitalize its tourism industry. And, with Mr. Idris Elba as the country's Brand Ambassador, he brings with it new life and vitality.
By Theo Edwards
Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited
A native of Sierra Leone, Idris Elba, arrived in Freetown for the first time. Elba was born and raised in London; his mother, Eve, is from Ghana and his father, Winston, from Sierra Leone, where he has expressed interest in investing in eco-tourism.
Idris Elba arrived in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, where he is due to receive Sierra Leone citizenship and celebrate Christmas with the President, Julius Maada Bio, according to government sources. Elba planned to visit Sherbro Island renowned for its pristine tropical beaches. The country hopes to revitalize its tourism industry. And, with Mr. Idris Elba as the country's Brand Ambassador, he brings with it new life and vitality.
A native of Sierra Leone, Idris Elba, arrived in Freetown for the first time. Elba was born and raised in London; his mother, Eve, is from Ghana and his father, Winston, from Sierra Leone, where he has expressed interest in investing in eco-tourism. Mr. Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited.
During a meeting at the State Lodge on Hill Station, President Bio said that Mr. Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited, saying that he could feel his burning desire to come back home to be welcomed by his country people. He said that the country had gone through a lot with a scarred image, which needed a conscientious effort from everyone to change that perception and create a new narrative.
Idrissa Akuna Elba OBE is an actor, writer, producer, musician, DJ, rapper, and singer. Nickname DJ Big Driis (Idris) was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in the 2016 New Year Honors for his services to drama. He is best known for his roles in Marvel franchise films such as "Thor" and "The Avengers." Others include Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. In 2018 was named People magazine sexiest man alive.
Friday 20 December 2019, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio issued the British Hollywood actor, and musician, Idris Elba, with a Sierra Leonean Diplomatic Passport and pronounced him a Brand Ambassador for the small resource-rich West African nation.
Friday 20 December 2019, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio issued the British Hollywood actor, and musician, Idris Elba, with a Sierra Leonean Diplomatic Passport and pronounced him a Brand Ambassador for the small resource-rich West African nation.
Receiving the passport, Idris Elba said that he was honored and thankful for the opportunity to become a citizen of his father’s country, noting that it was an honor for his family. He said he always wanted to come to Sierra Leone, adding, his career afforded him and his family the ability to rebrand the country.
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Last Updated June 19, 2023
Idris Elba passionately appeals for young Sierra Leoneans to exercise 'None Violence' during the presidential and parliamentary election slated for June 24, 2023.
Idris Elba passionately appeals for young Sierra Leoneans to exercise 'None Violence' during the general election for president and parliament that will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
Idris Elba has called for a peaceful general election in Sierra Leone, which will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
"This election, please let it be peaceful," he said in a message in Pidgin English - 'other African nations and the world will be watching us.' On the same day, the Commonwealth Observer Group in Sierra Leone, led by former Nigerian Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, called for peaceful elections to reflect; the will of the people.
Elba reminded young Sierra Leoneans that they have the 'power' in this vote and that if the country is destroyed due to violence, it will be down to us Sierra Leoneans to have to build it back up again.
The votes on Saturday will be the country's sixth presidential vote since a military takeover in 1992. It will see the incumbent, President Julius Madaa Bio of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), go up against Dr. Samura Kamara of the All People's Congress (APC) _the main opposition party.
There have been arrests of critical opposition voices in the run-up to the general election.