The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, has revealed plans to lift Sierra Leone from its long-standing aviation blacklist, a status it has held since 2008.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Communications’ weekly press briefing, Barrie outlined an ambitious 8-month roadmap aimed at addressing the issues that have kept the country in this unfavorable position.

For the first time since 2008, Sierra Leone is processing two applications for Air Operating Certificates (AOC), a critical step in enabling aircraft to be registered under the country’s aviation system.

“This is a significant milestone for Sierra Leone,” Barrie stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to restoring the country’s standing in the international aviation community.

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As part of efforts to improve regional connectivity, Barrie disclosed that two airlines are currently in talks to link Sierra Leone with neighboring countries, including Liberia, Guinea, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. This initiative aims to enhance regional travel, stimulate trade, and boost economic activity by making air transport more accessible.

The Lungi International Airport has also seen an uptick in flight frequency, with weekly flights increasing from 37 to 47. Brussels Airlines, a key international carrier, is currently considering expanding its operations in Sierra Leone, which could potentially raise the number of flights to 50 per week.

These developments mark a significant turnaround for the country’s aviation sector, which has faced numerous challenges over the years.

DG Barrie reassured the public that the SLCAA is committed to continuing reforms that will enhance Sierra Leone’s aviation safety and infrastructure, positioning it as a reliable hub for air travel in the region.

With the roadmap in place, Sierra Leone is on track to remove itself from the aviation blacklist and improve its overall standing in the global aviation industry.