From Suleiman Idris, Lagos
The Ghanaian government has announced its intention to relaunch the country’s moribund national carrier with three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, aircrafts the authorities described as been technologically-advanced.
The Ghanaian Minister of Aviation, Mr Joseph koffi Adda made the disclosure at the Dubai Air Show where the Ghanaian authority and Boeing signed a memorandum of understanding for three airplanes with a list price value of $877.5 million according to list prices.
Mr. Adda said “There is a growing demand for air travel to and from Ghana and we believe the advanced 787-9 Dreamliner gives us an efficient and flexible machine to launch a regional network and eventually serve international destinations in the future,”
He added that “The 787 has an excellent reputation for its operational performance, fuel efficiency and passenger experience and we are confident that we have the right partner for our new carrier.”
Adda says the carrier, to be based in Accra, would establish the capital city as a strategic hub that serves cities across West Africa.
According to him, future routes would include destinations in Europe, North America and Asia and the long-term plan is to open the airline to private investment and operation.
Also speaking Mr. Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company said “Africa boasts a growing, young workforce and vast natural resources. We see the demand for air travel continuing to rise across the continent.
Boeing is honored to work with Ghana in helping re-launch an airline to serve this vast market,”
“We look forward to working with the government on an integrated solution that includes the 787-9 Dreamliner and aviation services to support the new airline and provide a superior experience for its future passengers.”
The defunct Ghana Airways Limited, which began operations on July 15th 1958 was the national airline of the Republic of Ghana with its main base of operation, and hub, at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. The airline ceased operations in 2004.
The airline operated the Airbus A320-200, Airbus A330-300, Douglas DC-8, McDonnell Douglas DC-9, McDonnell Douglas DC-10 (one converted into Late Tante DC10 Restaurant) and the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 according to information.
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