Ghanaians will benefit from yet another choice of flight on the Accra – London route with the introduction of two more airlines on the route.

Virgin Atlantic will launch a new service between Heathrow and Accra, the capital of Ghana, from 24 May 2010. The airline plans to operate three services a week, subject to government approval, using an Airbus A340-300 aircraft with 240 seats onboard -34 Upper Class, 35 Premium Economy and 171 Economy. Virgin Atlantic is one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines, which has operated successfully globally. It is going to be the Official Airline Supplier to the England World Cup squad.

A statement in London by the Chief Executive of the Airline, Steve Ridgway noted “We are delighted that we are able to launch services to this fast growing and vibrant capital city with its historic links to Britain, thriving economy and growing oil and gas industry. Nearly 200,000 people fly between London and Accra each year and our new services will give them more choice and better value for money. He observed that Ghana has become the gateway to Africa and that there are more prospects by way of business and economic boom. “Ghana is a beacon for economic success in West Africa, and with Africa showing greater economic resilience and growth than other global regions, we are thrilled that this will be our fifth route in Africa. We look forward to offering the best possible service to travellers between Ghana, the UK and the United States,” he said.

He mentioned the success of the airline and noted that “the success of our three year strategy requires us to build on these foundations by focusing on the business and leisure markets and driving efficiency and effectiveness, adding that safety, security and consistent delivery of the basics are the foundation of everything we do.

The London-Accra route is currently served by British Airways and Ghana Airways. The new Virgin service will operate from Terminal 3. Another European Airline, Brussels Airlines is also preparing feverishly to launch its maiden flight from London to Accra in July this year.