He is a man of amazing zest for designated goals. An avowed optimist, Leonard Balogun Koroma is the Minister of Transport and Aviation. He is optimistic that the country will operate its own airline on completion of the proposed international airport on the mainland. He bares his mind on this topical issue. With the fast pace the economy is expanding, coupled with the increase in trade and the growing size of industries in the country, Sierra Leone plans to build an Ultra-Modern International Airport to be located, this time around, on the mainland, 38 kilometres from the capital city, Freetown. He recently revealed to TheNEWS that his country will float a new airline, hence becoming the first tenant to occupy the proposed international airport. He spoke to ABUBAKAR HASHIM on recent developments in this sector.

Sierra Leone’s economy is fast expanding. There is a proposal for a new national airline to meet up the completion of an international airport. What are your comments on this proposal?

We recently held a regional aviation meeting of the Mano River Union (MRU), the countries of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, where we proposed to inter-connect each other, through the formation of Air Mano. With respect to Sierra Leone, an agreement with China will be signed next week, that will eventually lead to the formation of Sierra Airlines. There will first be liquidation of the defunct Sierra National Airlines (SNA) debts, by the new ventures company. When the new international airport is opened in three to four years’ time, it will not be completed if we do not have a new airline. In fact, we intend to be the first tenant of the airport. I will work day and night to achieve it. Aviation is a complex industry. We cannot handle it alone. In Africa, even in Europe and America, there is consolidation, coming together, in terms of partnership.

So we are engaging the Chinese. We will interconnect by road, rail and air, thanks to His Excellency, the President. Sierra Leone is the second fastest growing economy in the world. The President has approved a national railway network with connectivity to the mining corridors.

When will this new airline become operational?

It is a process. Negotiations and agreements are on-going. It will be a joint venture exercise, as it is done elsewhere. We are positive it will be operational. Already, more and more foreign airlines are coming into the country. This portrays the increased level of trade and industrial developments on-going in the country. Our President has a vision to turn around the entire country in all parameters.

And the aviation sector is not left out. It is a process and it is on-going. You were at Lungi airport, you saw the new look of the airport.

The terminal building has been expanded, a new cargo building with refrigeration facilities, with mortuary, built by Group Europe of France.

There is an airport modernisation project on-going.

There is a 6 mega watt electricity thermal plant for Lungi, including the airport.

What is the present relationship with the Nigerian Aviation sector, and by extension, the international aviation community?

We have a good relationship with Nigeria. We lack capacity, especially in the aviation sector. We presently have Nigerians training our Air Traffic Controllers and Air Worthiness officers. The relationship is good and cordial. With the international aviation community, the relationship has grown stronger. We do hear positive comments by pilots and aeronautical engineers on our improved aviation standards of recent.

We belong to strings of international aviation bodies. Yes, the relationship is cordial.

What will then happen to the present Lungi International Airport, with this new proposed International Airport on the mainland?

Most countries have two or more airports, so the need for more airports as the economy expands. Mind you, Lungi is located on an estuary, which is a dis-incentive for investment
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Lungi will be transformed into a manufacturing, industrial and tourist zone. This will create a multiplier effect on neighbouring towns like Port Loko.

The Mahera beach nearby, will be a likeable touristic spot. So Lungi airport will not be abandoned.
How do you see the immediate future of this sector?

Look, two days ago, we had a meeting with the Chinese delegation. The Chinese government has committed itself to connect Africa by road, air and railway. It will start in South Africa. It will cost $3.8 billion to construct modern railway from the port of Mombasa, through Nairobi to Uganda, Rwanda and to South Sudan. The interconnectivity will be versatile.

The sector is bright and promising. With the new proposed International airport at Mamamah, on the mainland of Freetown, it will open up the township and a bundle of opportunities for our youths, in terms of employment opportunities.