Overland Airways marked a significant milestone on Thursday with the successful launch of its thrice-weekly direct flight service between Lagos, Nigeria, and Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The inaugural flight, operated by a state-of-the-art Embraer 175 aircraft, departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 3:20 PM and landed at Freetown International Airport (FIA) at 6:17 PM.
The aircraft was greeted with a water cannon salute by the FIA Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.
During a reception at FIA, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Mrs. Musayeroh Barrie, praised Overland Airways for its commitment to fostering regional connectivity. She emphasized the airline’s role in promoting tourism, trade, and investment between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
“This partnership is not only about providing choices but also about enhancing economic opportunities, creating jobs, and encouraging investments in training,” Barrie said.
Overland Airways’ Managing Director/CEO, Capt. Edward Boyo, highlighted the airline’s dedication to uniting Africa through seamless travel.
“The Lagos-Freetown network is a fulfillment of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative. Our presence here is not just about aviation but about building connections, fostering trade, and promoting investment,” Boyo said.
Boyo expressed gratitude to Sierra Leone’s President, Brigadier General (rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, and other key stakeholders for
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Kwame Yaukson, welcomed Overland Airways, noting its potential to boost tourism and increase travel numbers.
However, he urged the airline to prioritize reliability, safety, and punctuality.
Nigerian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Frank Azueke, commended the new route for simplifying travel and strengthening ties between the two nations.
“This route is about connecting minds and hearts. It will ease travel burdens and eliminate lengthy and complicated journeys,” Azueke remarked
Overland Airways announced plans to expand its operations to other West African destinations, including Banjul, Monrovia, Guinea Bissau, Dakar, and Accra. Initially, the Lagos-Freetown service will operate three times a week, with plans to increase to daily flights.
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.
With its commitment to affordable fares and quality service, Overland Airways aims to redefine regional travel, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience for passengers.
