President Julius Maada Bio has expressed Joy over the score made by the newly refurbished Freetown international airport by the international civil aviation organization’s safety and security audit.

He maintained that this fulfills his promise in 2018 to revolutionize air travel and tourism in the country, which may enhance sustainable economic growth and development.

“In March this year, my government unveiled the new Freetown International Airport (FNA, commonly known as “Lungi Airport”) with a firm promise to revolutionise air travel and tourism and enhance Sierra Leone’s sustainable economic growth and development.

“Today, I received with great enthusiasm the news of Sierra Leone’s sterling performance during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority and the Freetown International Airport to corroborate the certification of the worthiness of “Lungi Airport” as an international airport.

“After 2 weeks of the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit, Sierra Leone received an average rating of 75% of the total score. This is welcome progress as I pledged when I assumed office in 2018 to make Sierra Leone a competitive tourist destination that is safe, reliable, efficient, affordable and a hub for aviation activities in the sub-region,” he stated.

President bio further thanked and appreciated the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon and team for such a hard work in achieving that enviable goal. He also thanked the ICAO officials as he anticipates the final report from them.

“I commend the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, and their team members for this laudable achievement.

“I thank the ICAO officials for the assessment that Sierra Leone has made tremendous achievements in the aviation sector. I look forward to receiving the Final Report. 

“We will not rest on our oars until we achieve our vision of making Sierra Leone a competitive touristic destination and a hub for aviation activities in the ECOWAS_CEDEAO Region” he mentioned.

The Country’s Director General for the Civil Aviation Authority, Moses Tiffa Baio during the launch of the audit anticipated that, the airport may score more than 70% as the sub regional benchmark is set at 60% while the global aviation safety plan is capped at 75%.

He maintained that a pass in the audit will subsequently open the country’s airport to international aviation benefits respectively.