Sierra Leone government unveils new carrier with plans for London operation

Sierra Leone’s transport ministry has unveiled a new carrier for the West African state, which is set to commence services to various cities – including London – before the end of this year. All carriers overseen by the Sierra Leone civil aviation regulator are blacklisted by the European Commission, preventing them from serving European destinations. But Air Sierra Leone will operate under a UK air operator’s certificate, according to transport minister Fanday Turay, while it seeks a local authorisation. “Air Sierra Leone will operate as a private entity rather than a national carrier,” says Turay. The airline aims to launch its first services, a thrice-weekly rotation from Freetown to London Gatwick, on 2 December. Its initial fleet will comprise a 189-seat Boeing 737 Max 8, with which it will serve Gatwick, plus a 149-seat 737-400 and a 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145. “Through our support, [the carrier] is poised to enhance Sierra Leone’s global connectivity, stimulate economic development, and foster a sense of national pride as we embark on a new era in our aviation sector,” says Turay.<br/>