On the 21st March 2024, The Director General of the SLCAA Madam Musayeroh Barrie together with stakeholders in the Aviation sector, warmly welcomed a delegation from Italy, headed by the President of Italy Civil Aviation (ENAC) Pierluigi Umberto. The three-day visit will solidify the initial Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) signed in Riyadh during the ICAN in November 2023, between Sierra Leone and Italy Civil Aviation Authorities. This historical agreement will propel and strengthen the air transport and socio-economic cooperation of both countries.
Upon arrival, the Italian delegation met with aviation stakeholders at FNA and they were taken on a conducted tour of the new airport facility by the General Manager and team of the Freetown International Airport (FNA).
The visit promises a lot of opportunities for Sierra Leone, key among them is the establishment of an airline that will connect Sierra Leone to the rest of Europe through Italy and vice versa. This, according to the President of ENAC is highly feasible and their coming into Sierra Leone is a manifestation of their commitment to implementing the agreement. The delegation is also committed to support Sierra Leone’s efforts to be removed from the European Union Safety list (blacklist).
In the subsequent days, the SLCAA will be engaging their Italian counterparts on a host of aviation-related possibilities, ranging from air transport to the environment. The delegation will pay a courtesy visit to the Vice President, Chief Minister and Minister of Transport and Aviation to demonstrate Sierra Leone’s readiness to foster aviation growth. The visit to these eminent members of government is an indication that Sierra Leone Civil Aviation is poised to achieve one of President Bio’s visions of creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and a prosperous Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone is indeed ready to unlock its true potential as this agreement paves the way for future collaborations and advancements in the Sierra Leone Aviation landscape
