The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) hosted a delegation from Ethiopian Airlines to explore the prospects of the Pan African giants commencing commercial flights to FNA. The delegation expressed their interest in patterning with the relevant state authority to ensure that Freetown International Airport (FNA) becomes more competitive on the completion of the ultra-modern airport facility constructed by SUMMA group of companies. It is expected that the first commercial route will commence as early as the first quarter of 2024.
Upon arrival at Freetown International Airport, the delegation was warmly welcomed by key industry stakeholders. SUMMA Airport SL and Sierra Leone Airport Authority (SLAA) presented key facts and statistics relevant to the running of FNA and accompanied the delegation on a tour of the new facility.
In Freetown, the delegation held meetings with the Management of the SLCAA, The Minister of Transport and Aviation and The Chief Minister. The visiting delegation also paid a courtesy call to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The Chief Commercial Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Mr. Lemma Guteba expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their hospitality. Mr Guteba stated that “Sierra Leone has an excellent Airport facility which is key in Airline transport” He further said that “Ethiopian Airlines is desirous to partner with Sierra Leone in its air transport journey.” He congratulated Sierra Leone on passing the ICAO Safety Audit as “safety and security is key in Airline operations”.
The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Retired Colonel Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq in his statement, welcomed the delegation from Ethiopian Airlines and thanked the Director General designate, Ms. Musayeroh Barrie, the SLCAA Management and the Acting Director General, Floyd A.P Davies for doing a great presentation on the status of the Aviation Industry in Sierra Leone. He stated that he is pleased that Ethiopian Airlines is enthusiastic about being part of Sierra Leone’s Aviation journey.
