GIA plane lands at Kotoka

Accra, Oct. 29, GNA - The much awaited aircraft Of Ghana International Airline (GIA) landed at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Saturday to begin its maiden flight operation to the United Kingdom tonight.

The Boeing 757 aircraft of 160-passenger capacity with 144 economy and 16 business classes was painted white with the bold inscription Ghana International at the background, while the tail was painted with the national colours.

The aircraft, which touched down about 1420 hours this afternoon, has on board some Ghanaian cabin crew as well as foreigners. Mr Kojo Mpiani, Chief of Staff, attended a brief ceremony at the tarmac with top management officials of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Officials of GIA, stakeholder in the aviation industry as well as the President of the Ga Traditional Council, Nii Adotey Obour. Christian prayers were offered by Father Stephen Adu-Kwanning of Christ the King parish, whiles Moslem prayers and libation were also offered by Imam Hussain and Numo Yemotey Odoi, La Wolomo respectively. Later in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr Kojo Mpiani expressed his delight in the inauguration of the GIA, adding that, Ghana would be put back on the international aviation industry map.

He said this would help boost the tourism sector and business and expressed the hope that the airline services and charges would be a departure from the defunct Ghana Airways.

According to Mr Mpiani, Ghana government, who was the majority shareholder, would allow GIA to operate a smooth business venture without undue interference.
An airline official told GNA that the maiden flight to Gatwick this evening has been fully booked.