By Eugene Davis
Government has assured Ethiopian Airlines of its unflinching support to promote interconnectivity of flight on the continent.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Transport, a Deputy Transport minister, Fredrick Obeng Adom stated that government is keen on supporting Ethiopian Airlines
as well as providing the needed policy direction and the necessary support to promote the development and growth of airline operations and the aviation industry.
“I wish to congratulate Ethiopian airlines for the successful launch of its nights’ flights to Accra offering the Ghanaian traveller the opportunity to connect more with the world through Ethiopian airlines.
It is not economically wise for a traveller to travel two continents just to connect to a neighbouring country via air travel. The story of air connectivity on the African continent must change and I am pleased to witness this significant milestone of Ethiopian airlines.” he said at the launch of Ethiopian Airlines night flights to Accra”
He also disclosed that the government is in the process of decoupling the Air Navigational Services (ANS)from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to give independence to navigational services in accordance to ICAO regulation and the best practice in the aviation industry.
Ethiopian airlines is one of the pioneering airlines on the continent and boasts of being the airline with the largest fleet and passenger numbers with over 120 destinations including 62 African connectivity.
The Managing Director at Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Pamela Djamson-Tettey also lauded Ethiopian Airlines for the initiative, stressing that the new evening service will undoubtedly offer more connectivity options for travellers in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
She added that it was her hope that it will provide the needed competition and offer travellers affordable fares.
“As Operators and Managers of Kotoka International Airport, Ghana Airports Company Limited is delighted and encouraged by this development.
GACL will continue to provide the needed facilities and services for a pleasant travel experience, in line with our mission of providing world-class facilities and services for the benefit of our stakeholders.
We wish to assure Ethiopian Airlines, that we will provide them with the needed support for a smooth facilitation at Kotoka International Airport.”
The new night flights will complement Ethiopian Airlines’ regular midday flights making Ethiopian Airlines the largest operator by frequency (11 times per week) servicing Kotoka International Airport.
Mrs Aniley Eshetu, Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines for Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, said the four additional night flights would further make Ghana the most connected country in the West Africa sub-region and boost trade and tourism.
“Thickening our capacity in Ghana with additional frequency is also a continuation of the same commitment to better serve the Ghanaian travelling public.
Moreover, these new additions coupled with our daily morning flights will enable us to connect Accra eleven times a week to our expanding global network spreading across five continents.” she said.
Currently, deploying 143 modern aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines serves 131 international passenger and cargo destinations, including 63 African cities with daily and multiple flights with a minimum layover in Addis.
