Ghana Airways obtains two DC-10 aircraft

Ghana Airways Limited has obtained the requisite financing from a reputable European Bank for the purchase of two additional DC-10 aircraft.

A statement issued by the management of the national carrier said the company has acquired the aircraft in furtherance of its fleet and route expansion programmes in future.

It said one of the new aircraft has been test flown and would arrive in the country this week, while the second is expected by the end of December.

The two aircraft, the statement said, would allow Ghana Airways more flexibility in her operations, increase reliability, enhance punctuality and customer care, and facilitate its projected expansion of routes and new gateways.

The DC-10 aircraft have been tried and tested by various airlines, and over the years the cockpit, cabin, engineering and technical personnel of Ghana Airways have been trained extensively to gain experience on the aircraft.

The company said Ghana Airways considered the cost of a modern aircraft, in view of its current financial standing, in purchasing the aircraft.

The management of the national carrier noted that "although some concerns were raised regarding the age of the aircraft, age in aviation business is not the determining factor in terms of air worthiness. What is important is the maintenance programme and records of the aircraft concerned."

It added that the DC-10 aircraft have been given the requisite maintenance and technical checks to obtain clearance from all the relevant competent bodies.

The change to more modern aircraft is planned under a medium-term programme, taking into account route structure, plans for expansion and the future privatisation of the airline.

Ghana Airways stressed that in its 40 years plus history, safety has been its hallmark and would not compromise on that.

The statement said that although the airline would rely on the old experienced staff, new technical staff would be recruited to help in the maintenance of the aircraft.