Fanday Turay ESQ, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, proudly announced the signing of a pivotal Bilateral Air Service Agreement with the government of Ethiopia.

This historic agreement was formalized during the prestigious Imtiyaz Champion Award Night 2023, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Expressing his satisfaction, Minister Fanday Turay extended gratitude to President Bio for his strategic guidance and unwavering support throughout the negotiation process. The bilateral accord is poised to foster enhanced connectivity and economic cooperation between Sierra Leone and Ethiopia.

Minister Fanday Turay emphasized the importance of this agreement, portraying it as a crucial step towards realizing the long cherished goal of hosting the first-ever Ethiopian Airline commercial flight in Sierra Leone. The Minister’s testimony underscored the collaborative efforts between the two governments in streamlining air travel regulations and fostering an environment conducive to international aviation partnerships.

As Sierra Leone positions itself as a key player in the regional aviation landscape, the signing of this bilateral agreement is seen as a strategic move to attract international airlines and boost the country’s tourism and trade sectors. Minister Fanday Turay highlighted the economic benefits that are expected to emanate from increased air traffic and improved connectivity, fostering both tourism and trade between the two nations.

The Minister concluded his remarks by setting a hopeful timeline, anticipating the commencement of the first Ethiopian Airline commercial flight in March 2024. This ambitious timeline underscores the commitment of both nations to swiftly implement the necessary measures to facilitate this historic inaugural flight, symbolizing a new era of collaboration and connectivity in the skies between Sierra Leone and Ethiopia.