ACMI provider Avia Solutions Group subsidiary Ascend Airways UK has operated its inaugural flight from London Gatwick to Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The company said this marks a 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.
“It is a true honour to have operated the historic London Gatwick to Freetown flight on behalf of Air Sierra Leone,” said Ascend Airways CEO Alastair Wilson. “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.”
Ascend Airways will operate three weekly services for the African airline, commencing on June 16. The inaugural flight was operated by the company's newest 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which it received this year.