The Government of Ghana has revealed its plans to launch a new national airline – Ghana Airlines.
The carrier will be based at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport (KIA), and will take to the skies in 2023.
This was revealed by the country’s Finance Minister, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, during the presentation of the 2023 budget statement in parliament last Wednesday.
“Shareholders and partnership agreements were signed with the selected strategic partner for the home-based carrier, which will be known as ‘Ghana Airlines’. The airline is expected to be operationalized in 2023,” the Finance Minister stated.
The strategic partner referred to by Ofoti-Atta in this case is Ashanti Airlines. Founded in 2018, Ashanti Airlines is currently in the process of obtaining its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). The Government of Ghana will now work in collaboration with the new carrier to establish Ghana Airlines.
Discussions had previously been held with both Ethiopian Airlines and Egypt Air, but they appear to have not come to fruition. No further detail has yet been provided regarding Ghana Airlines’ potential routes, aircraft orders, or a start date for operations.
The West African nation has been without a flag carrier since the demise of Ghana Airways in 2004 and later that of Ghana International Airlines in 2010. Africa World Airlines is currently the largest carrier in Ghana, last year accounting for over 65% of all domestic traffic. This is followed by Passion Air, with its fleet of five Dash 8s.
GhanaAirlines’ home will be the country’s largest airport, Kotoka International Airport in Accra, which saw up to three million passengers per year pre-pandemic. The airport has been awarded the title of “Best Airport in Africa” by Airports Council International for the last three years running.
