LONDON – On November 29, it has been revealed by the Ghanaian government, that they are to start operations for a new flag carrier airline, set to hit the skies in 2023, rightfully named GhanaAirlines.
The birth of GhanaAirlines
At some stage within the next year, although the timing has not been revealed yet, GhanaAirlines is set to begin operations as a new airline, as well as becoming Ghana’s new flag carrier.
The airlines’ name was officially announced by Ghana’s Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta during his presentation of Ghana’s 2023 budget, as well as the disclosure that the airline is set to hit the skies at some stage during 2023.
A few months ago the Ghanaian Government had announced its next investor that was set to help them setup the country’s newest flag carrier airline.
Ashanti Airlines came out on top above other bids from the likes of JNH Group, a Ghanaian consultancy firm, Ethiopian Airlines and EgyptAir.
Ghana has been without a flag carrier airline for the best part of 12 years, since the collapse of Ghana International Airlines in May 2010. Prior to them was Ghana Airways, which ceased operations in June 2005.
Of course, the new flag carrier will have its home-base at the country’s capital, Accra – specifically Accra Kotoka International Airport (ACC). At present, GhanaAirlines is still in the process of obtaining its Air Operators Certificate (AOC).
Proposed fleet
It has also already been revealed just what the carriers initial fleet plan will look like.
GhanaAirlines will start operations with a fleet of up to six Bombardier Dash 8 Q400’s – a highly renowned turboprop produced by the Canadian aircraft manufacturer. These aircraft are flagged to operate the carrier’s domestic and regional services.
Alongside the Dash 8 Q400’s, GhanaAirlines is set to also bring in a fleet of three Boeing 787 Dreamliners, of which were originally ordered by the Ghanaian Government during the 2019 Dubai Airshow.
These aircraft will be used to open the carrier up to medium and long haul services, with the carriers ambitions to stretch across West Africa, Europe, North America and Asia.
This is certainly a different fleet strategy that what the two predecessors had utilised.
Ghana Airways between 1958 and 2005 had operated a plethora of aircraft, with a total fleet of 24 during this time consisting of: three Douglas DC-8’s, two Convair CV-990’s, two BAC Vickers VC-10’s, eight McDonnell Douglas DC-9’s, six McDonnell Douglas DC-10’s, one McDonnell Douglas MD-11, one Airbus A320 and one Airbus A330-300.
Following on from Ghana Airways, Ghana International Airlines operated a much smaller fleet of a total of six aircraft during its history from late-2005 until 2010, consisting of: five Boeing 757-200’s and one Boeing 767-300.
Overall
Maybe Ghana will be put back on the world stage with their new upcoming flag carrier, GhanaAirlines? Or perhaps they end up seeing the same fate that their two predecessors had suffered.
Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain, is that the Ghanaian Government has the motion to bring Ghana’s latest national airline to fruition.
Not only this but with the ambitious fleet plan and growth strategy, it is certainly something to keep an eye on from West Africa.
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