British Airways host Sierra Leone dignitaries

The British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Mr Peter West and British Airways (BA) Regional Commercial Manager for Africa, Mr Ian Petrie, recently hosted government ministers, diplomatic representatives and members of Sierra Leone’s business community at a reception to celebrate the launch of  British Airways in Sierra Leone.

The event, which was held at the British High Commissioner’s residence at Hill Station, included Mr Peter Bayuku Konte, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mr Vandi Chidi Minah, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr  Rudiger John, German Ambassador, Mr Michael Owen, the US Ambassador and Mr Eyo Asuquo, Nigerian High Commissioner amongst the guests.

British Airways started flying to Sierra Leone in October last year and now offers three flights a week into Freetown, from Terminal 5, its award-winning home at Heathrow Airport, London.

Speaking at the event, Mr Ian Petrie said that BA regards Freetown as a developing business hub in Sub-Saharan Africa and that the airline’s services to the country could help economic growth:  

“We’ve seen in other countries how reliable, efficient air services help to facilitate economic growth by making it easier to do business.  It stands to reason that countries with regular air services linking them to the world’s business and financial capitals have an advantage over those which do not; particularly at a time when investors are assessing opportunities outside of traditional markets.  At the same time, local businesses and entrepreneurs benefit from access to capital markets and new customers.”

Mr Peter Konte, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, welcomed the arrival of British Airways in Sierra Leone and said that the regularity and reliability of a scheduled carrier would contribute to the country’s considerable tourism potential.

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