Nigerian Airline To Operate As Sierra Leone National Carrier 

By John Ikani

A Nigerian carrier, Xejet Limited and the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to operate regional and international flights from Lungi International Airport, Freetown.

Heritage Times (HT) gathered that the signing of the MoU which followed months of elaborate discussions would see Xejet establish and operate a national carrier for the Republic of Sierra Leone.

This means that Xejet will have a core sign designating it as national carrier when it is operating from that country and also have a guaranteed passenger market.

An electronic statement by the company stated that ‘’the parties further agreed to work together to successfully execute the project to international standards.

Present at the signing of the MoU were the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Kabineh M. Kallon on behalf of the Government and Emmanuel Iza for Xejet in the presence of Dr. Rex Idaminabo (Consulting Associate) and Mr. Floyd Davis Deputy Director SLCAA.

Others who witnessed the signing ceremony are the Deputy Minister of the country’s ministry of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Rex Bhonapha, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alhassan Kondeh, Technical Adviser, Dr. Adams Steven, the Director of Transport, Mr. Hindolo Shiaka and Policy Coordinator in the State House, Mr. Macmond Kallon.

Xejet Aviation was set up to provide air transport services in the areas of passenger, cargo, aircraft maintenance and aviation training.

Xejet is considered a newly launched Nigerian startup carrier founded and run by a team of experienced technocrats with years of experience in the airline and air operations industry.

Earlier this year, the startup carrier also recently got its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The airline recently took delivery of an Embraer ERJ145 from ACIA Aero Leasing (“ACIA”), a leading provider of regional aircraft leasing and lease management services.

ACIA made the announcement of the delivery of ‘a single Embraer ERJ145 on lease to Xejet Aviation (“Xejet”), a fast-growing, start-up airline based in Lagos, Nigeria.

The aircraft ACIA Aero said is to support Business Class Only carrier’s vision to be Nigeria’s go-to airline for smart and cost-effective premium air travel.