Overland Airways Wins SLCAA Commendation with Inaugural Lagos-Freetown Flight
Overland Airways on Thursday successfully inaugurated its thrice-weekly direct flight service between Lagos, Nigeria, and Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The maiden flight, operated with the state-of-the-art Embraer 175 aircraft, departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 3:20 pm and touched down at Freetown International Airport (FIA) at 6:17 pm.
The arrival was marked with a celebratory water cannon salute by the FIA Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.
At a reception held to welcome Overland Airways, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Mrs Musayeroh Barrie, lauded the airline’s entry into the country, describing it as a transformative step for Sierra Leone’s aviation sector.
She highlighted the benefits of the new route, including enhanced tourism, trade, and investment opportunities, as well as job creation.
“We look forward to collaborating with Overland Airways to shape a future where aviation plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth,” Barrie stated.
Overland Airways Managing Director/CEO, Capt Edward Boyo, expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded to the airline.
He emphasised the airline’s commitment to fostering regional integration and aligning with the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).
“This route is not just about aviation; it is about marketing and connecting people across Africa. We aim to unify systems for seamless travel across the continent,” Boyo said.
He further pledged the airline’s dedication to investment in Sierra Leone and its long-term commitment to the country’s growth.
Kwame Yaukson, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, expressed optimism about the new route, noting its potential to boost visitor numbers.
However, he cautioned Overland Airways to prioritise reliability and punctuality, stating, “It’s not just about having flights but ensuring they are safe and on time.”
Nigerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Frank Azueke, described the Lagos-Freetown route as a bridge between two nations, fostering deeper ties and facilitating travel.
“This launch will ease travel burdens and eliminate complex and lengthy journeys. It’s a testament to progress and vision,” he remarked.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, represented by Dr Alberd Forde, assured Overland Airways of the government’s support.
He hailed the airline’s decision to connect Lagos and Freetown, noting the untapped potential of Sierra Leone’s tourism industry.
“Our bilateral ties are as constant as the northern star. Overland Airways’ entry is a testament to our shared vision for growth and connectivity,” Dr Forde said.
Overland Airways has commenced operations with thrice-weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Capt Boyo revealed plans to increase the frequency to daily flights and expand the airline’s network to destinations such as Banjul, Monrovia, Guinea Bissau, Dakar, and Accra.
The inaugural flight, piloted by Capt Almir Suman, carried notable passengers, including former Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Engr Benedict Adeyileka, NCAA officials, journalists, and celebrities.
As the airline embarks on this ambitious route, it aims not only to connect cities but to unify Africa through reliable and customer-centric air travel.
