By Lansana Fofanah.
The Government of Sierra Leone on Monday, 2nd August, 2021 welcomed the first commercial flight operated by Air Senegal in the airspace of the country.
Water Canon, cultural dance, formed part of the welcoming ceremony at the Lungi International Airport amidst jubilation.
In his address, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, described the event as a manifestation of greatness and existing common bond between Senegal and Sierra Leone.
“Through our various heads of state, we were able to seamlessly go through every process. Sierra Leone and Senegal have been enjoying bilateral relationship for so long and this will not be the only investment coming from Senegal to Sierra Leone,” he said.
The Minister encouraged investors from Senegal to also look into road transportation which he described as an untapped area.
The Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, commended Air Senegal for seeing Sierra Leone as an investment destination as he believes, the coming of Air Senegal will help to address challenges in air transportation.
The General Manager of the Sierra Leone Airport Authority, Jack Massaquoi, assured Air Senegal a great hospitality in the country, adding that they have put in place safety measures for their smooth operations.
Sierra Leone Ambassador to Senegal, Brima Elvis Koroma, hailed President Macky Sall and Air Senegal for honoring the appeal of President Julius Maada Bio. Ambassador Koroma noted that Air Senegal operations in the country will open up more business opportunities for both countries.
The Chief Executive Officer of Air Senegal, Ibrahima Khan, commended President Bio and President Macky Sall for their great leadership in making sure they operate in Sierra Leone.
“Both leaders made it clear to us that we need to connect both cities to ease air transportation as this will further Bi-lateral cooperation between both countries and share the common values,” he said.
Mr. Khan said that Air Senegal is a continental flight aiming to link West African countries to the rest of the world and by the 2nd of September, 2021 they will be connecting their flights to America.
