SLCAA Delegation Deepens Aviation Engagement in Dakar Visit
A delegation from the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), led by Director General Mrs. Musayeroh Barrie, has been actively engaging stakeholders in the aviation industry during their three-day working visit to ICAO/WACAF in Dakar.
The visit culminated in a productive meeting with the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), where Mrs. Barrie initiated her presentation by elucidating President Bio’s vision for the aviation industry. Stressing the President’s commitment to appointing a leader with the freedom to guide this vision, Mrs. Barrie affirmed Sierra Leone’s dedication to wider aviation growth and alignment with AFCAC’s priorities, particularly the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATAM).
Mrs. Musayeroh Barrie highlighted Sierra Leone’s commendable benchmarks in safety and security, attributing the success to significant improvements in security and safety oversight, with management’s firm intent to meet regulatory requirements and adhere to ICAO’s recommended practices.
The Director General emphasized key areas of interest for SLCAA, showcasing Sierra Leone’s proficiency in establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with sister Civil Aviation Authorities. She mentioned the recently concluded technical mission from the Consumer Protection Department of Nigeria and outlined Sierra Leone’s strides in implementing SAATAM, including signed agreements in 2016, domestication of laws, effective liberalization of airspace, and the current application of the 4th, 5th, 3rd, and 7th freedom rights in Sierra Leone.
Other priority areas for Sierra Leone and the CAA include collaboration and support from AFCAC, engagement with WACAF on Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), flight procedure design, training procedures, and AIM systems. Additionally, the focus is on quality management systems and capacity building.
Mrs. Barrie passionately addressed various interests, such as increasing aviation activities, attracting more airlines, and boosting passenger traffic to Sierra Leone’s modern infrastructure. She expressed excitement about exploring routes within the Mano River Union agreement, connecting Freetown, Guinea Liberia, and Ivory Coast.
Pleading for Sierra Leone’s inclusion in the feasibility studies on Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Mrs. Barrie expressed confidence in the nation’s capability. She assured that her team is working diligently towards removing Sierra Leone from the safety list by the end of the year, citing achievements in safety and security and the structured framework in place.
Hosting more events in Sierra Leone, with the right support, is also an area of interest for the SLCAA, allowing people to witness and experience the country’s potential.
“We have big plans, and I am excited,” the Director General declared. “To utilize Freetown International Airport (FNA), a world-class, highly tech-driven infrastructure—one of the best in Africa. With compliance to standards and regulation, there is no reason why we can’t be a key strategic player in connecting Africa and the world.”
Mrs. Barrie concluded with a humble request for AFCAC to champion SAATAM with Sierra Leone as their flagship, justifying the nation’s achievements in 5th and 7th freedom and the opening of its skies. She expressed confidence that Sierra Leone, as a seemingly hidden gem, can play a pivotal role in championing SAATAM and enhancing trade connectivity within Africa.
