KLM to fly direct to Ghana daily

The Royal Dutch Airline, KLM, on Tuesday launched its Accra-Amsterdam-Accra "seven direct flight" operations with the landing of its Booing 747 at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra.

On the inaugural flight was a delegation of the airline's officials from Amsterdam led by Mr Bruceguus Jonker, Director in charge Industry and Government Affairs.

Later at a news conference, Mr Rob Westerman, General Manager responsible for West Africa, expressed his appreciation to the company for fulfilling a promise it made during the 40th. anniversary celebration of its operations in November last year to fly seven times a week to Accra.

He said the daily direct flight a week is expected to increase its revenue to Ghana to about 40 per cent in addition to assisting to develop tourism as well as trade and business activities between Ghana and The Netherlands.

He noted that Ghana Airways will be an important partner in "this seven direct flight" operation as far as its West African route is concerned. Mr Jonker said the daily flight will assist in sustaining economic growth in the aviation industry.

He said KLM would hold discussions with Ghana Airways to work out details on how both airlines can co-operate to open Ghana to the rest of the world.

Captain Joe Boachie, Deputy Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, said Ghana's liberalised aviation policy is not only to bring as many airlines as possible but also to create healthy competition among them.

"With the increase in flights, airline fares will drop, especially the Africa-Europe route, which is deemed to be one of the most expensive".

He advised other airlines to take advantage of the policy and fly to Ghana especially as the airport is undergoing an expansion programme.

At the airport to meet the delegation was the Dutch Ambassador, Mr Alexander Helding, and staff of the KLM in Accra.