KLM TO START DAILY FLIGHTS

KLM, Ghana is currently finalising negotiations to begin daily flight connections to Amsterdam says Paul Gregorowitsch, the company's Senior Vice-President for sales.

KLM, which began operating in Ghana in 1960 with one weekly flight now flies non-stop five times a week to Amsterdam.

Gregorowitsch who was addressing a press conference to mark the 40th anniversary of KLM in Ghana said though 40 years is a long time, KLM intends to provide more flexible, active and efficient service between Accra and Amsterdam.

"We believe in Ghana, its economic stability, professionalism and we're flattered by your friendliness. We intend to work closely with Ghana Airways to provide improved services in our West African destinations."

The Senior Vice-President for sales said KLM is working with the Ministries of Tourism and Transport as well as The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to promote Ghana as a trourist destination.

He said KLM will help refurbish one of the castles along the coast to help Ghana become a tourist attract. KLM will also provide seats for tourists who wish to travel to Ghana. "The question though is whether Ghana will become a big tourist attraction. You need money, investments and infrastructure to do that and KLM will help with funding" he said.

Rob M.C. Westerman, KLM General Manager for West Africa said KLM has through 40 years of uninterrupted service established good cultural and commercial links, friendship and goodwill between Netherlands and Ghana. "We stayed both in the good times and bad times but its been worth it."

He praised the GCAA for the efficient manner with which they are handling the refurbishment of the Accra International Airport.

"We're glad to see that the refurbishment is taking into consideration the needs of all the airlines operating in Ghana, KLM is definitely looking forward to another 40 years of operation in Ghana."