The General Manager of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority Demonstrates Quality Leadership as SLAA–GATA Partnership Delivers First Training Milestone
Freetown International Airport, Sierra Leone – 20 January 2026 – The Sierra Leone Airports Authority (SLAA) proudly announces that its strategic partnership with the Ghana Aviation Training Academy (GATA) has begun to yield dividends, with three Sierra Leonean air traffic controllers currently in Accra, Ghana undertaking a specialized refresher training course in Aerodrome and Approach Control.
This milestone reflects the vision and leadership of SLAA’s General Manager, Jack D.K. Massaquoi, who has championed aviation human capital development as a cornerstone of the Authority’s reform agenda, in line with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s “Five Big Changers.” By operationalizing the MOU signed with GATA, SLAA is translating agreements into action, ensuring that air traffic controllers are equipped with the skills and expertise required to meet international standards.
The training program, conducted in Accra, is critical in strengthening controllers’ competencies in aerodrome operations and approach procedures. These skills are essential for safe and efficient aircraft movements at Freetown International Airport, particularly as SLAA prepares for the implementation of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN).
Jack D.K. Massaquoi, General Manager of SLAA stated: “This milestone demonstrates SLAA’s commitment to investing in competent aviation professionals as the foundation of aviation excellence. By operationalizing the MOU with GATA, we are strengthening Sierra Leone’s aviation safety, enhancing efficiency, and positioning Freetown International Airport to meet global expectations.”
The General Manager reaffirmed SLAA’s commitment to broadening the partnership, with plans to send additional cohorts for specialized training in quality and safety management, aeronautical information management, and communication, navigation, and surveillance. The Authority views this collaboration as a cornerstone of its long-term vision to position Sierra Leone as a credible aviation hub in West Africa.
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