London, UK – April 27, 2025 — Ascend Airways UK, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group – the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider – has successfully operated its inaugural flight from London Gatwick to Freetown, Sierra Leone. This historic flight marks the first direct air link between the two countries in over 12 years.
The flight took place on April 26, with the return journey from Freetown on April 27, coinciding with Sierra Leone’s Independence Day.
Carrying members of the UK’s Sierra Leonean diaspora and other international guests, the flight reestablished a critical air connection last seen in 2012.
“It is a true honour to have operated the historic London Gatwick to Freetown flight on behalf of Air Sierra Leone,” said Alastair Willson, CEO of Ascend Airways.
“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 is a UK-registered airline with both an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and a Type B Operating License from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The airline was acquired in 2023 by Avia Solutions Group, headquartered in Ireland, which operates a fleet of 221 aircraft across six continents.
Starting June 16, Ascend Airways will operate three weekly services for Air Sierra Leone, reconnecting the West African nation with the UK and creating new opportunities for tourism, business, and economic growth.
The new partnership is built on a foundation of regulatory compliance and operational safety. Flights will be operated by Ascend Airways-trained cockpit and cabin crew, with the airline also overseeing all aircraft maintenance procedures for the route.
The inaugural flight was operated using Ascend’s newest Boeing 737 MAX 8, registration G-CRUX, which joined the fleet in 2025. This aircraft underscores the airline’s commitment to sustainability, offering 20% lower CO₂ emissions and a 40% reduction in noise compared to previous-generation jets.
Credit: worldairlinenews.com
