President John Dramani Mahama has taken another step towards re-establishing Ghana’s national airline following a meeting with officials of Boeing, the American aircraft manufacturer, who have pledged continued support for the project.
According to a statement published on the official X handle of the Jubilee House, preliminary studies have affirmed the viability of the proposed airline, paving the way for the development of a roadmap for its establishment.
The roadmap, which has been agreed upon, will involve identifying a strategic airline partner and a technical partner to support the establishment and operations of the new carrier.
Other key components include securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), selecting an appropriate fleet and making decisions on aircraft acquisition and financing.
The Boeing team reportedly assured President Mahama of its continued support throughout the establishment and operational phases of the airline.
The proposed national carrier forms part of the President’s broader ambition to position Accra as the premier aviation hub in West Africa.
Aviation hub ambition
The Jubilee House statement said the new airline would increase the utilisation of Ghana’s improved airport infrastructure while strengthening the country’s position in the regional aviation industry.
The initiative is also expected to create thousands of employment opportunities across the aviation sector, including positions for pilots, cabin crew, aeronautical engineers and aviation management specialists.
The government’s renewed efforts to establish a national airline come against the backdrop of previous attempts to revive Ghana’s national carrier following the collapse of Ghana Airways and the subsequent failure of Ghana International Airlines.
The latest development, however, signals a renewed push towards establishing a national carrier, with Boeing expected to provide support as the process advances.
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