01/08/09, 01:39:28 UTC

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Ghana Airline Industry Booms

allafrica.com

The liberalization of air transport in Ghana has yielded positive result as airlines plying the country have increased in the last two years by six from 19 in 2005 to 25.

This number could further increase in the near future, as there are many applications for licenses pending.

Minister of Aviation Gloria Akuffo says its policy of air transport liberalization that gives operators a favourable business environment in line with market demands is yielding positive results.

She said this at the launch of Singapore Airlines Passenger Sales Agency in Ghana on Friday.

Under the Passenger Sales Agency deal with Travelex Limited, a Ghanaian Tour and Travel Agency, passengers travelling to the Far East would be able to connect Singapore Airlines in Cairo after flying Egypt Air from Accra, which is the first step to establishing full flight services between the two countries.

Ms Akuffo, said the separation of aviation safety, regulation and the provision of air traffic services managed by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), from the development, maintenance and management of the nation's airports and airstrips, which were now run by the Ghana Airports Company Limited was another move to boost the industry. She urged Singapore Airlines to pursue the process for the regularization of bilateral air services agreement between Singapore and Ghana to facilitate full flight operations to and from Ghana.

Mr. Willie Orhin, Deputy Director-General, Finance and Administration of the GCAA, said the launch was an indication of Singapore Airlines' interest in possibly commencing operations in the country if feasibility studies being conducted by the Airline proved favourable.

Mr. Ang Beng Siong, General Manager, Singapore Airlines, Egypt and North Africa, expressed the hope that the partnership between the Airline and Travelex would work well to make their presence in Ghana meaningful.

Mr. P.O. Addai, Chief Executive of Travelex, said the launch of the sales agency marks the beginning of the provision of high quality service for which Singapore Airlines was well known.

 Printable Version  | published Oct 09, 2007