…Woo Nigerian Travellers With $950 London Fares
Air Sierra Leone, the young national carrier of Sierra Leone, has set its sights on carving a firm niche in West Africa’s aviation market, with Nigeria playing a key role in its expansion.
Since commencing operations into Lagos on January 22 the airline says it has been committed to redefining regional travel with a focus on safety, comfort, affordability, and cultural connection.
Speaking in Lagos to newsbulletinng.com, the airline’s Country Manager, Mrs. Genevieve Fiewor, described Air Sierra Leone as more than just a carrier but as an ambassador of Sierra Leone’s vibrant culture.
“We are striving to be the airline of choice, representing Sierra Leone while offering travelers the opportunity to explore new horizons with us,” she said.
So far, the airline operates flights between Freetown and Lagos, with onward connections to London Gatwick.
The Lagos–Freetown route is served with an Embraer 145, while the London connection is operated with a Boeing 737 MAX 8.
Passengers on the London route also enjoy a generous three-piece baggage allowance, an offer Mrs. Fiewor described as “unbeatable for a $950 ticket.” Fares to Freetown are pegged between $500 and $550, which she insists remain highly competitive.
Traffic, she admitted, is still building up as the airline consolidates its presence in the Nigerian market.
However, she expressed confidence that with affordable fares, warm customer service, and safety-driven operations, more Nigerians will embrace the carrier.
“Sierra Leone is visa-free for Nigerians, and when you get there, you feel at home. The people are warm, the culture familiar. Even their greeting ‘Kabo Kushe’ feels like Yoruba. It’s not a foreign land—it’s Africa welcoming Africa,” she said with a smile.
On challenges, Mrs. Fiewor pointed to the ongoing renovation at Lagos airports which has temporarily reduced aircraft parking spaces.
Yet, she was quick to commend the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for its cordial relationship with airlines.
“They are friendly, we are friendly, and when two friendly partners work together, the sparks are joyful,” she remarked.
Air Sierra Leone currently operates twice weekly flights from Lagos—on Tuesdays and Saturdays, departing at 6 a.m. for Freetown, with seamless onward connections to London.
“By 5 p.m. you’re already in London Gatwick,” she emphasized, describing the connectivity as smooth and efficient.
As the yuletide approaches, the airline is already gearing up to serve holidaymakers. “Our fares are out, our operations are set, and we are ready to welcome more Nigerians onboard,” she assured.
With bold plans and a blend of regional strategy and cultural connection, Air Sierra Leone is positioning itself as not just another entrant in the Nigerian market, but as a bridge linking West Africa to Europe while carrying the spirit of Sierra Leone along.