Ethiopian Airlines has added four times a week night flights from Accra to its operations.
The development complements the Pan-African airline’s seven times regular midday flights, making it the largest operator by frequency servicing the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).
As an airline group, it also has one of the largest cargo facilities; a full-fledged modern aviation university equipped with the latest technology the industry has to offer; and maintenance repair and overhaul, catering and ground services.
Speaking at a short ceremony to launch the Airline’s evening flight, Country Manager Aniley Eshetu reiterated the carrier’s commitment to connecting Africa with the rest of the world.
She said Ethiopian Airlines serves 131 international passenger and cargo destinations – including 63 African cities with daily and multiple flights with a minimum layover in Addis, currently deploying 143 modern aircrafts.
“It also has 35 ultra-modern aircraft on firm order,” she added.
Pamela Djamson-Tettey, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, commended the airline for adding evening flights to its operations; saying it will undoubtedly offer more connectivity options for travellers in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as well as provide the needed competition and offer travellers affordable fares.
Encouraging the development, Mrs. Djamson-Tettey assured that GACL will continue to provide the needed facilities and services for a pleasant travel experience – in line with its mission of providing world-class facilities and services for the benefit of stakeholders.
“We appreciate the role of our stakeholders in the realisation of our vision, which ties in with the broader vision of government for the aviation industry. We believe, that, together, we can achieve the vision of positioning Ghana as the Preferred Aviation Hub and Leader in Airport Business for West Africa. We wish to assure Ethiopian Airlines that we will provide them with the needed support for smooth facilitation at Kotoka International Airport,” she said.
On his part, deputy transport minister Fredrick Obeng Adom called for a change in the story of air connectivity on the continent, saying: “It’s not economically wise for travellers to travel through two continents just to connect to a neighbouring country via air travel”.
He therefore pledged government’s support in ensuring that Ethiopian Airlines plays a critical role in fostering intra-African connectivity.
“There’s no doubt that in the achieving the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), Ethiopian Airlines stands tall when it comes to connecting countries on the continent and bringing tourism and trade closer to the people,” he said.