When investors and visitors arrive at the Lungi International Airport, what first strikes them is the on- going modernisation of the terminal building, with a new cargo facility that meets international requirements. There is also a re-surfaced tarmac, that is daily receiving positive commendations from pilots. Undertaking such a huge task is quite challenging. John Sesay is the General Manager of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority, on whose shoulders this enormous task rests. He has been moving on the right track. Recently, he spoke to ABUBAKAR HASHIM on current developments at the airport.

What is the current status of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority, particularly the Freetown International Airport in Lungi?

We have been engaging in a series of activities, of replacing old equipment and facilities. We currently have re-surfaced our runway, which for now, within the region, is the best, in terms of quality, in terms of safe landing; we do receive the comments from pilots. We have all the navigational aid equipment in place, which we acquired two to three months ago. We have been engaging in expansion and renovation of the terminal building, which is now twice the original size; improving other areas like airline offices, shops and the like. We now have an expanded facility that is user-friendly and has enhanced security.

We also have Westminster Aviation Security, which is a UK company specialised in aviation security. A lot of upgrading has been done. They are doing a marvelous job. By the end of the year or first quarter of next year, we expect to finish the security fencing completely. There is also the Doppler equipment meant to detect intruders, a surveillance and detection facility protecting the vicinity of the airpor. A lot of CCTV cameras are functionally in place at the airport.

This year, we also bought a new fire vehicle and we intend to buy another one at the end of the year to bring us up to Category 9 . We are now at Category 8.

Because of these improvements, we have seen some significant growth in airline operations. A number of airlines are increasing their frequencies to the airport. We are now having proposals from other airlines willing to come in. South African Airways has given an indication to fly in, so also Delta Airlines, so also Emirates. We are at advanced stages of negotiations with these airlines.

With the current status of the airport, we are braced up for future expansion. This is the only airport for now in the country. There are plans for another airport. This comes up at least four years down the line. Between these periods, we will continue to build on what we have, in preparation for the future.

This leads me to the second question: What is the current status of the proposed new international airport on the mainland?

That airport is at a feasibility stage. It is at an engineering status. A number of activities are on-going behind the scene. Government, too, is doing a lot of activities, relocating villages within the vicinity for construction works. Studies are on-going. Discussions are on-going between Government and Exim (Export and Import) Bank of China.

The project is going to be funded in two phases. Phase 1 is to build the basic structures to facilitate operations in four years’ time. Terminal building, runway facility and the likes. The plan of the government is to have this area to be an airport city. We will start with the airport and other developments will follow, which is the second phase of the plan.

You have recorded, internationally, remarkable successes in safety standards. Could you please tell the world, what are the reasons behind this successes?

In aviation, safety and security are paramount. Comfort of passengers follows. In all the developments we’ve undertaken, safety and security are topmost. I mentioned earlier the runway; it deteorated to a point where a number of pilots were complaining and airlines were threatening to get out and stop coming into the country, because of the condition of the runway. So, addressing this area is a fundamental success in terms of safety. Most accidents occur during landing or take-off. Also the navigational aids. Aircraft rely on communication facilities and equipment. We now have improved technological equipment that have elevated our safety standards to meet up international requirements. I also spoke earlier about security; doing something about the fencing. Aviation is all about safety and security. Fire incident too is a safety issue. If the fire cover is not in proper place, the airport can be blacklisted. So we have improved our facilities for the past two to three years, mainly our safety standards. The International Federation of Pilots has now withdrawn their threat. Airlines that were complaining of our navigational aids, are now flying in and more are coming. So it is plus on our side.

How do you see, in all honesty, the immediate future of the aviation industry in the country?

The immediate future is bright. Like I told you, there is evidence of growth in traffic, which is hinged on growth of economic activities in the country. Because of the mining and infrastructural activities on-going, there is a multiplier effect on the country’s aviation industry. So also the opening up of our agricultural areas. Also, much travelling is now taking place. Above all, in terms of traffic, we are looking at what tourists will bring in. A number of projects are on-going, targeting the development of tourism in the county. This touristic traffic will also boost our airport profile and activities. So the immediate future is, indeed, very bright