FNA 3/8/2021
Air Senegal has on Monday 2nd August, 2021 inaugurated its two weekly services between its Dakar hub, Blaise Diang International Airport and Freetown international Airport.This significant step in the Airline’s Freetown route came with the announcement of its plans to fly direct to the United States from Dakar for the first time starting from September 2021.
The airline’s fleet of Airbus A330 -900Neo,A321 and A319 are a guarantee of modernity and the ideal choice for the most strategically important short and long-haul routes in its growing network .
In line with the airline’s expanding operations across Africa, passengers can look forward to a flavour of African hospitality and cuisine on board its flight.
The carrier has stringently implemented the most advanced safety and hygiene measures on board its aircraft.
Passengers from Freetown can enjoy more flexible travel options via the most connected Airport in West Africa and with the airline serving destinations in Africa, Europe, and America, an excellent customer service is assured.
Welcoming Air Senegal inaugural flight, The General Manager of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority, Mr J D K Massaquoi said the maiden arrival of Air Senegal signals hope and a good sign for the Airport recovery
“The SLAA is optimistic that this newest addition to our operating carriers will rejuvenate the industry. Due to the impacts of COVID-19 on travel demand, the Sierra Leone Airports Authority recorded severe passenger and revenue downturn .
Notwithstanding the current setback , SLAA is implementing essential programs so as to make sure that health and security changes are integrated into the Airport system .Air Senegal will expand seat capacity and offer greater connectivity options to destinations across the world”
Chairing the maiden event, the Minister of information and communication Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swarray noted that his Excellency the President, Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio is desirous to see the Aviation Industry as one of the leading economic drivers of communities.
“We are working together to support the country’s Aviation , through two very distinct actions namely : “Attraction and Recovery “which will require different approaches .The continuing thrust will be to strengthen Airlines , public and passengers’ confidence in air travel . This will once again fill terminals and airplanes with business travelers and vacationers and will earn us huge benefits.”
Presenting the flight to the Sierra Leonean Authorities, Air Senegal CEO Mr Ibrahima Kane, expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded them as well as the assured commitment of the government towards the airline launch and future operations .
“We are delighted to land in Freetown today.Air Senegal had long wanted to operate flights to Freetown for some time and while the pandemic slightly delayed those plans, it did not stop us from fulfilling our commitment to serving passengers from Freetown and around the world.
Sierra Leone is known for its local hospitality and highly sought after tourism potentials , I am certain Freetown will grow to be an important destination in our network.We look forward to working closely with our partners in Freetown to steadily grow this route and support the recovery of tourism and trade in our region ,”Mr. Kane concluded .
Giving the key note Address the Minister of Transport and Aviation , Minister Kabineh Kallon on behalf of Government warmly welcomed the CEO of of Air Senegal and his Senegalese Aviation counterparts to Freetown .
He assured them of the fullest cooperation from partners in the airport ecosystem, including airlines, concessionaires, ground /Sea transportation providers, and governmental organizations.
“The Ministry of Transport and Aviation is proud of your commencement of flights thereby enjoining your economies to Sierra Leone in various aspects. There is a huge government focus on current operations as well as Airport Expansion projects. It is of course in need of the corresponding Aircraft volume so that we can mutually benefit.
Air Senegal arrival will enhance public confidence and the much needed financial sustainability. It will help us weather the impact of COVID 19 in our operational and economic recovery”
The Minister of Tourism Madam Memunatu Pratt presented Sierra Leone tourism Magazines for inflight entertainment and knowledge of the country’s vast tourism resources to the delegation. She commended the strategic partnership with the aviation sector in achieving gains for her ministry.
The Minister of Trade and Industry Mr Hinga Sandy urged businesses and companies within the two countries to harness the potentials of the airline route for an improved bilateral trade relation.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassadors to the republic of Gambia and Senegal, Her Excellency Madam Lulu sheriff and his Excellency Alhaji Braima Elvis Koroma heartily thanked Air Senegal for establishing such regional integration opportunities that the airline will bring between their respective missions and Sierra Leone .They Maintained that bringing people and cultures closer can positively turn around the socio economic dynamic of countries.
The Board Chairman ,Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority , Mr Patrick Kaikai thanked the Air Senegal team and the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation entities for making Freetown a destination of choice . He reiterated the SLCAA regulatory provisions which safeguards best practice and industry compliance.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr Rex Bhonapha appreciated all teams and their contributions to the flight start-up.He conveyed Governments best wishes for a successful route.
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