Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. As anticipation builds for Air Sierra Leone’s inaugural flight from Freetown to London Gatwick this weekend, aviation enthusiasts and prospective passengers are getting a glimpse of the aircraft that will mark this significant milestone: a brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 8, wet-leased from Ascend Airways.
The sleek and modern aircraft, part of Ascend Airways’ fleet, will be instrumental in launching Air Sierra Leone’s twice-weekly round-trip service to London, commencing with the initial flight on April 26-27, 2025.
This temporary schedule precedes the full three-times-a-week commercial operation, also utilizing a Boeing 737 MAX 8, set to begin in June.
Owned by the Avia Solutions Group, Ascend Airways (formerly Synergy Aviation) specializes in ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) leasing, providing Air Sierra Leone with not just the aircraft but also the flight crew and necessary operational support.
While Ascend’s standard Boeing 737 MAX 8 configuration features a single-class layout with 189 seats in a 3-3 arrangement, Air Sierra Leone’s website indicates a two-class offering for the London route: economy and premium economy.
The airline promises ‘premium seating’ in the latter, suggesting passengers can expect either extra legroom in exit rows or the added comfort of a vacant middle seat, similar to European business class configurations. Details on the specific premium economy offering are eagerly awaited by travelers seeking enhanced comfort on this groundbreaking route.
Notably, the Freetown to London Gatwick route, stretching approximately 2,627 nautical miles (4,865 km), is poised to become the longest nonstop service operated by a Boeing 737. This highlights the impressive range and capability of the MAX 8 aircraft chosen for this ambitious venture.
The arrival of this modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 underscores Air Sierra Leone’s commitment to providing a contemporary and efficient travel experience as it reconnects Sierra Leone with the United Kingdom via direct air links. This new service, coming just three months after the airline’s successful launch of flights to Lagos, signals a significant resurgence in Sierra Leone’s aviation sector.
Passengers eager to experience this new connection can look forward to the official opening of ticket sales for the Freetown-London route on April 26-27, coinciding with a joint press conference and Grand Launch Gala Dinner at Freetown International Airport.
Full commercial operations will then take flight on June 16, 2025, offering convenient Monday, Wednesday, and Friday departures from London Gatwick and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday returns from Freetown.
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