ACMI operator Ascend Airways UK has flown the first non-stop route from the UK to Sierra Leone in 12 years, marking the re-establishment of direct air connectivity between the two countries.
The flight from London Gatwick to Freetown, the West African nation’s capital, took place on 26 April, and the return journey from Freetown took place on 27 April, to coincide with Sierra Leone’s Independence Day.
The service was flown by Ascend’s newest Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, seven-year-old G-CRUX, in Air Sierra Leone livery and will operate three times a week from 16 June.
“It is a true honour to have operated the historic London Gatwick to Freetown flight on behalf of Air Sierra Leone. It took months of hard work to set this connection up, and we are looking forward to operating this much-needed route during the summer and winter season,” said Alastair Willson, CEO of Ascend Airways.
Ascend Airways’ 737-8, G-CRUX, in Air Sierra Leone livery, arrives in Freetown.
