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.