Ghana's aviation industry attracts more airlines

The liberalized Skies Policy in the aviation sector has led to the increase in frequency of some airlines operating into Ghana, and admission of new ones.

“The aviation and air travel industry stand out as one of the fastest growing and most competitive in the sub-region underscored by the fact that the number of commercial and cargo carriers plying in and out of Ghana has almost doubled from 15 in 2000 to 30 in 2010,” the Deputy Minister of Transportation, Dzifa Attivor stated.

She called on stakeholders in the industry to provide quality services to the traveling public and also ensure that travelers get value for their money as well as achieving the benefits of air travel as obtained in the developed economies.

Mrs. Attivor was speaking at the celebration of the successful launch of Brussels Airlines flights from Accra to Brussels.

She disclosed that the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) and some regional airports would continue to undergo systematic facelift through infrastructural rehabilitation and the installation of modern communication, navigation and surveillance equipments to improve their services.

The Minister said the coming of Brussels Airlines into Ghana and its subsequent operations between Accra and Belgium would accord the traveling public, especially Ghanaians in Belgium, multiple opportunities to plan and choose their travels with more flexibility and less discomfort which is part of challenges associated with transiting and connectivity.

She congratulated the airline operator and expressed the desire for it to consider supporting the development of aviation in Ghana to make KIA the hub of air travel in the sub-region.

“I wish to congratulate management of Brussels Airlines on their decision to fly in and out of Ghana. I believe that apart from business or economic considerations, the operations of Brussels Airlines will bring about the deepening of the historical, political and cultural ties between the Governments and people of Belgium and Ghana,” Mrs. Attivor noted.

In his address, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bernard Gustin, said Brussels Airlines was the leading airline group that flew to and from Belgium, offering its customers a safe, reliable, punctual, caring and innovative service with a smile.

“By choosing Brussels Airlines, you are assured of exceptional comfort not only on board, but also on the ground when you transfer at Brussels airport,” Mr Gustin said.

He said the airline had 51 aircraft and provide direct employment for 3000 people.

Out of the 51 aircraft, five of them are fleet of Airbus A330s- a long haul aircraft with recent design.

The turnover of the airline in 2008 was estimated at GH¢1,740 million.

Brussels Airlines, which replaces Sabena in Africa, currently flies to 18 destinations in Sub-Sahara Africa, with five million customers as at 2009.