Freetown open to major US Airlines
“Sierra Leone has what it takes for Delta and others major US Airlines to fly to Lungi to do business” Hon. Leonard Balogun “Logus” Koroma (Photo: Transport and Aviation Minister Hon. Leonard Balogun Koroma)
Sierra Leone’s Transport and Aviation Minister Hon. Leonard Balogun Koroma has said, “the Government of President Ernest Bai Koroma has facilitated the Country to have all what it takes for a major United States Airlines like Delta, and other United States commercial Airlines to operate a direct flight from any Airport in the United States of America to Lungi International Airport in Freetown.
Speaking in an interview, the Hon Minister said “the country has met all the bench marks set up by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and has been certified.
“In addition, all the information earlier requested by Delta Airlines from the Sierra Leone government have been submitted.”
Minister Balogun Koroma said Lungi International Airport has been upgraded to any classical International Airport.
“Lungi International airport now have fourteen Check in Counters, Eight airline offices, four boarding gates, flight information display, new baggage conveyors, Fire alarms, Close Circuit Television, very modern Public Address Systems and more features.
“Administrative arrangements at the Airport have been re-arranged and is now consistent with International Standards. “It is mandatory for all passengers including myself as Minister to go through security check and proper scrutiny, before being allowed to cross the gate.
“There are two terminals: Arrival and Departure with no artificial impediment to obstruct or distract passengers on arrival or departing Lungi.” Said Hon Balogun Koroma: adding “Biometric data is now obtained at the Airport.
“The Airport is now well secured and it is compatible with International Standards. “It is now well manned by a credible international Airport security firm (Westminster Aviation Security Services) by both personnel and security equipment. “To make mention of scanners, Screening Machines, other security apparatus and Sniffer dogs need not be overemphasized.”
Hon. Balogun Leonard “Logus” Koroma recalled 2011 when President Ernest Bai Koroma had a meeting with Delta President in Atlanta where he laid the foundation, and said it was followed in 2012 by the signing of an Open Skies agreement with the United States Government by his predecessor Hon. Vandi Chidi Minah.
The Minister expressed optimism for Delta Airlines to establish a first time Trans-Atlantic route between North America and Freetown, because “it will reduce the travelling cost and eliminate the hassle of obtaining transit visa.
“It will contribute its own fair share to the agenda for prosperity, rebranding the image of the Country and increase its economic base.
“Delta will also help market Sierra Leone to tourists and potential tourists from all over the world.”
Most importantly Minister Koroma said it will hammer home the fact that Sierra Leone is the place to do business.
The Transport and Aviation Minister will be joined by the Minister of Information and Communications Hon. Alhaji Alpha Kanu who doubles as the Government Spokesman.
In the Company of the Deputy Chief of Mission Sierra Leone Embassy in Washington DC Ambassador Ibrahim S. Conteh, the delegation will depart Washington DC Sunday August 4th, 2013 for Atlanta Georgia.
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