Ascend Airways UK has successfully operated the inaugural flight from London Gatwick to Freetown, Sierra Leone on behalf of Air Sierra Leone.
This introduction of this flight marks the re-establishment of direct air connectivity between the two countries after a 12-year hiatus.
The historic flight took place on April 26, with the return journey from Freetown on April 27, coinciding with Sierra Leone’s Independence Day.
The inaugural flight carrying members of the United Kingdom’s Sierra Leonean diaspora, along with other international guests, restored a vital air link. The last time the two destinations were connected with direct flights was in 2012.
Ascend Airways will operate three weekly services for Air Sierra Leone, commencing on June 16. This new route reconnects Sierra Leone with the UK, opening opportunities for tourism, business, and economic development between the two countries. This will be flown for Air Sierra Leone.
The partnership between Air Sierra Leone and the UK-registered Ascend Airways promises a high level of safety and adherence to strict regulations. All flights on this route will be operated utilising Ascend Airways-trained cockpit and cabin crew. Ascend Airways is also responsible for all maintenance procedures of the aircraft operating the Gatwick-Freetown flights.
The inaugural flight was operated by the company’s newest Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
Alastair Willson, CEO of Ascend Airways, said:
“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,”
Rebuilding connections
Ascend Airways UK has stepped in to help Air Sierra Leone launch its services to London, as the airline seeks to expand its operations. The airline has leased an Embraer ERJ-145, which launched its services between Freetown and Lagos.
With the airline on the EU list, it has sought a partner to operate its flights for them, with Ascend Airways fitting the bill for this.
Whilst the airline will have no competition on a direct route, they will face competition from one-stop airlines, including Air Peace (Lagos), Brussels Airlines (Bussels, Ethiopan Airlines (Addis Ababa), Keyna Airways (Accura), Royal Air Maroc (Casablanca and Turkish Airlines).
Source: https://economyclassandbeyond.boardingarea.com/2025/04/30/ascend-airways-uk-relinks-uk-and-sierra-leone/