Following the much-anticipated arrival of Air Sierra Leone at the newly modernized Freetown International Airport in Lungi, citizens are calling on President Julius Maada Bio to take the inaugural flight to help install confidence in the people.

The airline, set to make its first official flight on December 2, 2024, has sparked excitement but also raised concerns regarding its safety standards.

With several safety issues highlighted by citizens on social media, there is growing pressure for the president to lead by example.

One user took to social media to voice their thoughts, stating, “Can MAADA Bio take the first flight to install confidence in our people? Just saying.”

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These calls come in response to public anxiety surrounding the new airline’s debut, despite assurances from the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) that all necessary regulatory checks have been completed.

SLCAA has confirmed that all documents have been signed and stamped, paving the way for operations to begin.

Earlier this month, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, officially launched the national airline, marking the return of Air Sierra Leone after years of absence.

The airline’s inaugural flight will depart from London’s Gatwick Airport, making a six-hour journey to Freetown. Initially, Air Sierra Leone will operate under a UK Air Operating Certificate (AOC), with plans to transition to a Sierra Leonean AOC in the near future.

The fleet will consist of three aircraft: a 50-seat Embraer and two Boeing 737s with seating capacities of 149 and 189 passengers, respectively.

The return of Air Sierra Leone is expected to boost tourism, enhance trade, and reconnect Sierra Leone with the world, while also providing a sense of national pride.

However, the public’s growing concerns over safety underscore the need for transparency and accountability, with many citizens urging the president to take the lead in demonstrating trust in the country’s new national airline.