Foreign Airlines Conspiring To Cut Us Off Lagos—London Route
Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, has raised the alarm over the alleged conspiracy by foreign governments to frustrate his airline out of business. He alleged the airline was being segregated, calling on the Nigerian government to do more to ensure the operation is sustained.
Air Peace CEO Raises Alarm
Tuesday, April 9, 2024; 22:30:14 WAT | Abdulyassar Abdulhamid for Daily Trust
Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, has raised the alarm over the alleged conspiracy by foreign governments to frustrate his airline out of business.
Recounting his experience on the Lagos-London route during an interview on Channels TV’s ‘Politics Today’, on Tuesday, he said Air Peace commenced its London flight with special students’ fares to make traveling affordable for students going to study.
He alleged the airline was being segregated, calling on the Nigerian government to do more to ensure the operation is sustained.
“We are aware that there are devilish conspiracies. All of a sudden airlines are under pricing below the cost. One airline is advertising $100 and the other $350. If you peel up your entire aircraft and carry people on the wings it is not even enough to buy your fuel.”
Why are they doing that? Their government is supporting them because Nigeria has been a cash cow for everybody. The idea is to take Air Peace out and the moment they succeed in taking Air Peace out, Nigerians would pay twenty times over. It would happen, God, forbids it if they can take Air Peace out.
What is happening is scary. On the inaugural flight out of London 24 hours they moved us to another checking area. The place they gave us things was not working. When you are checking people you need to manually carry the load to go 50 metres and drop it. This was just 'to delay.' No other airline faced that. We were denied a slot. Festus Keyamo had to travel to London with us to warn them. He told them if they continued the foolish act, the Nigerian government would retaliate.
The government of Nigeria is behind Air Peace but the government has to do more now that there is evidence that unofficial statements are taking this airline.
Visa Restriction Policy on Undermining the Democratic Process in Liberia
WASHINGTON, September 27, 2023 - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions for individuals who he said were 'undermining democracy' in Liberia ahead of the country's elections in October.
Statement by Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken
Statement by Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken
September 27, 2023
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions for individuals who he said were 'undermining democracy' in Liberia ahead of the country's elections in October.
'The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Liberia and around the world. Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for those undermining democracy in Liberia. This policy will take effect in advance of the upcoming election.'
The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Liberian people or the Government of Liberia.
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.
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.