By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) continues to make impressive strides in transforming the country's aviation sector under the dynamic leadership of its Director General, Musayeroh Barrie. In a major development, a team of SLCAA personnel has successfully completed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Training Developers Course (TDC-EN), a milestone that significantly boosts the Authority’s capacity for delivering high-quality aviation training.

Congratulating the staff on their achievement, Madam Musayeroh Barrie noted, “This milestone strengthens our commitment to quality aviation training in Sierra Leone. We are grateful to ICAO for their continued support and collaboration.” The training achievement aligns with SLCAA’s broader vision of elevating Sierra Leone's aviation standards to meet international benchmarks.

As part of ongoing reforms, the SLCAA has also declared Freetown International Airport a “No-Bribe Zone,” a bold step aimed at promoting transparency, professionalism and passenger trust. The directive, which came into effect under Madam Musayeroh  Barrie’s leadership, urges travelers to report any form of harassment or demand for unofficial payments to the airport’s information desk. The move is backed by collaboration with oversight institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

“The declaration of the airport as a no-bribe zone reflects our commitment to integrity and international service standards,” said an airport official. “This is not a symbolic gesture, enforcement mechanisms are already in place to protect passengers.”

The initiative is part of Sierra Leone’s broader push to rebrand its global image and attract more tourism and investment. Bribery and harassment at points of entry have long plagued several developing nations, but Sierra Leone, through the SLCAA, is taking decisive steps to change that narrative.

Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s tenure has also been marked by significant structural and operational reforms. A major highlight was Sierra Leone’s improved performance in the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit, where the country scored an impressive 74.22% in 2023, well above the 60% Abuja safety target. That achievement has positioned Sierra Leone for potential removal from the European Union Aviation Safety List, paving the way for local carriers to operate in European airspace.

In recognition of its achievements, the SLCAA was ranked the second-best performing agency under the Ministry of Transport and Aviation for 2025. The agency also signed a new Management Performance Contract with the Ministry, laying out specific targets for safety, international partnerships and operational excellence.

Under Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership, the SLCAA has expanded Sierra Leone’s global aviation footprint by signing Bilateral Air Service Agreements with countries like Saudi Arabia and Cameroon. Negotiations are underway with the UK, Italy, Ethiopia and Malaysia. Notably, Madam Musayeroh Barrie led strategic discussions during President Julius Maada Bio’s state visit to Egypt, which culminated in plans for direct Freetown–Cairo flights.

In furthering human capital development, the SLCAA launched technical training programs and, for the first time, sent airworthiness inspectors to Italy through a partnership with the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC). On the infrastructure front, recent upgrades at Freetown International Airport include a modern car park, advanced fire and rescue services, and a 24-hour power supply system.

These sweeping reforms have earned Madam Musayeroh Barrie widespread praise as a visionary and reform-minded leader. Her proactive engagement with global aviation institutions and emphasis on institutional integrity has significantly elevated the SLCAA’s reputation on the international stage.

“Our mission is to build a model aviation authority in West Africa,” Madam Musayeroh Barrie affirmed. “That means continuous training, modern infrastructure and a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.”

Looking ahead, Sierra Leone’s aviation future appears brighter than ever. With regulatory partnerships with France and potential investments from the CRIT Group on the horizon, SLCAA is positioning itself as a strategic aviation hub in the region.

Under Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s bold leadership, the skies over Sierra Leone are not only open they are charted for transformation, professionalism and lasting excellence. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-elevates-aviation-standards-with-landmark-icao-training/