Ghana signs deal to buy aeroplanes for relaunch of international airline
Tricia
Ghana has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with The Boeing Company and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada for the purchase of aeroplanes as part of efforts to relaunch an international airline. The MoU was signed on Tuesday, November 19 at the Dubai Air Show.
According to a statement issued by Boeing, three of the aeroplanes with a list price value of $877.5 million are to be bought from Boeing. De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd on its part also said on Tuesday that it has obtained 11 more orders for its Dash 8-400 plane at the Dubai Airshow, as it revives the recently acquired turboprop business from Bombardier Inc.
Aurora, a subsidiary of Aeroflot-Rossiyskiye Avialinii PAO , signed a letter of intent to purchase up to five Dash 8-400 aircraft, while the Republic of Ghana agreed to buy six aircraft during the Dubai Airshow, which runs between Nov. 17-21.
The re-launch of the Ghana national carrier will see services initially within the West African sub-region in anticipation of future routes to destinations in Europe, North America and Asia, according to the Minister of Aviation, Mr Joseph Kofi Adda.
The deal was signed on behalf of Ghana by the Minister of Aviation, Mr Joseph Kofi Adda. “There is a growing demand for air travel to and from Ghana and we believe the advanced 787-9 Dreamliner gives us an efficient and flexible machine to launch a regional network and eventually serve international destinations in the future,” Mr Adda said.
“The 787 has an excellent reputation for its operational performance, fuel efficiency and passenger experience and we are confident that we have the right partner for our new carrier,” he added.
The Senior Vice President in charge of Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company, Ihssane Mounir, observed that Africa, particularly Ghana, boasts of a growing and young workforce with vast natural resources.
“We see the demand for air travel continuing to rise across the continent. Boeing is honoured to work with Ghana in helping re-launch an airline to serve this vast market,” he said.
“We look forward to working with the government on an integrated solution that includes the 787-9 Dreamliner and aviation services to support the new airline and provide a superior experience for its future passengers.”
The statement from Boeing described the 787-9 as part of a family of three aeroplanes that offer long ranges and unmatched fuel efficiency in the 200 to 350 seat market.
