Air Sierra Leone Set to Connect Freetown and Lagos
Air Sierra Leone (ASL), the nation’s new privately owned flag carrier, is gearing up for its inaugural service linking Freetown and Lagos. The startup carrier is set to launch three weekly flights on January 22, 2025, using a strategy that leverages the air operator’s certificate (AOC) of its Nigerian parent, Xejet. This strategic move is part of ASL’s plan to gradually establish its operational independence while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
ASL’s launch marks a significant development in regional aviation, as the carrier utilizes a 50-seater Embraer E145 aircraft seconded from Xejet, a prominent operator based in Lagos. The aircraft, registered as 5N-BZZ (14500855), is already in the process of regulatory clearance by the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA). Musayeroh Barrie, Director-General of the SLCAA, confirmed to ch-aviation that Xejet would initially provide three E145 aircraft to support ASL’s operations. The first of these, 5N-BZZ, has already undergone significant maintenance, having been serviced at Mbombela and repainted in ASL livery at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo before being ferried to Lagos on November 20.
ASL’s operational plan is distinctive in that, during its startup phase, its regional flights will be executed under Xejet’s AOC. This arrangement allows the new carrier to commence flights promptly while it works through its own AOC certification process with the SLCAA. According to Barrie, ASL has reached phase three of a five-step certification process. “We hope to be completed by the end of February 2025,” she stated, highlighting that the current phase is devoted to document evaluation. Subsequent phases will include demonstration flights, inspections, and final certification, all critical steps in ensuring the carrier’s adherence to strict safety and operational standards.
The launch of ASL is not just about establishing a new air link between Freetown and Lagos; it is also a significant move towards improving Sierra Leone’s standing in the aviation industry. The carrier’s certification is being treated as a test case by the SLCAA. Successfully meeting the certification criteria is expected to help demonstrate the country’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards and may contribute to Sierra Leone’s removal from the UK and EU air safety blacklists. This is especially important as Sierra Leone-flagged carriers are currently banned from operating their own AOCs in the UK and European Union, a restriction that ASL’s certification could help lift in the future.
Earlier plans for ASL included launching services between Freetown and London Gatwick on December 2 using a Boeing 737-8 chartered from Ascend Airways. However, by mid-December, regulatory approvals were still pending for the UK route. The current focus has now shifted to consolidating regional operations between Freetown and Lagos, a critical market that connects Sierra Leone with Nigeria—a major hub in West Africa.
Air Sierra Leone’s measured approach reflects a broader trend among emerging carriers in the region: leveraging established partnerships and operational frameworks to overcome regulatory and operational hurdles. With the backing of Xejet and a commitment to meeting rigorous safety and certification standards, ASL is poised to make a significant impact on West African aviation. The launch of its services on January 22 not only connects passengers to vital economic and cultural hubs but also serves as a stepping stone toward further international expansion as the certification process progresses.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com