Nigeria’s Xejet could launch a national carrier for Sierra Leone
The Republic of Sierra Leone may be getting a national carrier. The possibility comes as Lagos-based Xejet Aviation Limited and the Government of The Republic of Sierra Leone signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the former to operate regional and international flights from Lungi International Airport in Freetown.
Additionally, the agreement included allowing Xejet to establish and operate a national carrier for the country.
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, based explicitly on Emmanuel Iza and his Board of Directors and was initially set up to provide air transport services in passenger, cargo, aircraft maintenance, and aviation training.
It was aimed to be conceptualized as a Business Class only airline, the choice for premium flyers.
Earlier this year, the startup carrier also recently got its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The achievement comes after an estimated seven years of starting the AOC journey. Upon obtaining its AOC, Xejet has been in elaborate discussions with the Government of Sierra Leong before the agreement and signing of the MoU, to which Xejet has highlighted:
“The parties further agreed to work together to successfully execute the project to international standards. The MoU was signed by 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.”
It is unclear yet whether Xejet will be changing the business model once it gets the potential full go-ahead for establishing the national carrier of Sierra Leone. Still, it looks like works are already underway to start progressing further.
The airline currently has three aircraft in its fleet, two for passenger services such as the Embraer ERJ145 leased from ACIA Aero Leasing and a Boeing 737-500 that was refurbished to create a luxurious cabin for 56 passengers. The third aircraft is an ATR72 freighter.
Perhaps, Xejet might be in the market for some new wings to kickstart its regional and international flight operations. And undoubtedly, the airline would require some new wings for the establishment and operation of the idealized national carrier project and could be leasing some more from ACIA Aero Leasing, as Iza had previously emphasized:
“ACIA is a strong leasing partner that understands Africa and offers a diverse portfolio of aircraft. Our focus as an operator is to be cost-effective and efficient, which is why we chose to work with ACIA. We are very happy with their market knowledge and corresponding flexibility as a new lessor to our operation. The ACIA team has been very supportive of our needs, and we look forward to leasing more aircraft from them in the future.”
