By: Josephine Mousa Fofanah
The Sierra Leone Airports Authority (SLAA) has unveiled a FY2027 budget strategy focused on creating aviation jobs, strengthening safety and modernizing navigation systems as part of efforts to position Freetown International Airport as a competitive regional hub.
Presenting the Authority’s FY2027 budget to the Ministry of Finance on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre in the Youyi Building, SLAA General Manager Jack D.K. Massaquoi said the plans are aligned with the national theme, “Building Resilience to Create Jobs.”
Mr. Massaquoi identified three key priorities for the coming fiscal year: establishing an Approved Training Organization (ATO), fully implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) and modernizing air navigation infrastructure.
The proposed ATO is central to SLAA’s employment strategy because it will provide structured aviation training and help develop a local pool of qualified professionals. Mr. Massaquoi said the Authority plans to partner with universities to integrate aviation-related programmes into higher education curricula, enabling young Sierra Leoneans to acquire specialized skills required by the industry.
He said the initiative would create a pathway from education and professional training to employment by producing aviation personnel who meet international standards and can fill skilled positions within the sector.
A stronger pool of locally trained professionals could also support the expansion of aviation-related services and businesses, creating employment opportunities beyond direct recruitment by SLAA.
On safety and navigation, Mr. Massaquoi said SLAA will complete the implementation of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) procedures and calibrate critical navigational aids, including the Doppler VHF Omnidirectional Range (DVOR) and Instrument Landing System (ILS).
The measures are intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of navigation services while supporting safer and more efficient aircraft operations at Freetown International Airport.
Mr. Massaquoi said strengthening navigation systems would support Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve the airport’s capacity to handle regional air traffic and enhance its competitiveness within the West African aviation market.
While acknowledging rising operational costs, the General Manager said SLAA remains committed to investments in human capital, safety systems and navigation infrastructure to strengthen the Authority’s long-term operational capacity.
The FY2027 programme combines workforce development with targeted improvements to air navigation services, while supporting the longer-term objective of enhancing Freetown International Airport’s regional role.
Monday’s presentation marked a key stage in SLAA’s FY2027 budget process as the Authority seeks resources to implement its proposed training, safety and navigation programmes.