The managing director and chief executive officer of Overland Airways, Capt Edward Boyo the Lagos-Freetown operation is a fulfillment of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative that aims to liberalise the African aviation industry.
He stated this yesterday at a reception at the Freetown International Airport (FIA) in Sierra Leone during the airline’s maiden flight to the West Africa country.
“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,” he said.
Boyo commended Sierra Leone’s president, Dr Julius Bio and his cabinet, the director of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), FIA operators, ground handling companies, and rescue and fire fighting service for their support to the airline.
Also speaking, director general of SLCAA), Mrs Musayeroh Barrie commended Overland for flying to the West African country, describing it as a “significant milestone in the growth of aviation sector.”
Barrie stated that the Nigeria-Sierra Leone operation will not only provide choices but will also enhance tourism, trade and investments and create jobs.
“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 encourage investors and promote investments,” she added.
In his remarks, the permanent secretary, ministry of tourism and cultural affairs, Mr Kwame Yaukson advised the airline to respect time.
“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 and avoid delays, cancellations except it is very necessary,” he said.
For his part, the Nigerian ambassador to Sierra Leone, Mr Frank Azueke said the Lagos-Freetown route “is not just about connecting two cities but about connecting minds and hearts.”
He said the connection 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 a progress outlook of Sierra Leone. It also speaks volumes of the foresight of Sierra Leone”, he added.
Also speaking, the country’s minister of transport and aviation, Mr Fanday Turay who was represented by his senior technical adviser, Dr Alberd Firde, commended Overland Airways saying: “Our bilateral ties is as constant as the northern star. Overland’s decision to serve Lagos-Freetown and other route networks is a good testament. Sierra Leone tourism potentials are yet untapped.”
The airline said in a statement that its Embraer 175 aircraft took off from the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA), Lagos at 3:20pm and arrived at the Freetown International Airport (FIA) in Sierra Leone at about 6:17pm.
According to the statement, the flight was greeted with a water canon salute mounted by the Freetown International Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.
The airline said it would operate three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays initially and thereafter increase the frequency to daily.
It further disclosed that it would expand its route network in due course to include Banjul, Monrovia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Dakar, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.
