Start-up national carrier Ghana International Airlines is preparing to launch services this year with a fleet of Boeing 767-300ERs and MD-90s.
Ghana International is being created by the Ghanaian government, which holds 70% of the company, and US consortium GIA-USA to succeed the defunct flag carrier Ghana Airways. The airline said at the end of last year it would operate a fleet of eight to 10 aircraft, but had not indicated types. Ghana International says it has secured an air carrier licence from the Ghanaian civil aviation authority and has initiated the process to obtain an air operator's certificate. The carrier intends to start operating this year - possibly under a new brand name.
"We will be operating new types that have never been flown by a Ghanaian airline," says Ghana International's executive management team leader Ralph Atkin.
He says that the carrier, based at Accra's Kotoka International airport, will operate 767-300ERs on routes to Europe while the MD-90s will serve regional routes in Africa.
Both types will be configured with a two-class layout and the carrier will offer a full on-board service. Ghana International also plans to fly to the USA, but will initially perform in partnership with another carrier. Atkin says that it will take about 18 months for the carrier to secure approval to operate its own 767s on the routes.
DAVID KAMINSKI-MORROW / LONDON
Source: Flight International
