Ghana’s negotiations with Boeing over the revival of a national airline are nearing completion, according to the country’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith.
Speaking to JoyNews, Smith said the government was finalising arrangements for the carrier while seeking investors to support the project.
“We are looking for investors. They may invest in this effort. They may get something out of it. What is important for me is the legacy that the President will leave when he’s leaving officethat we will have a national flag back in the air. That is important for me,” he said.
Smith said the return of a national airline had generated significant interest among Ghanaians, many of whom he believed would prefer to travel with a carrier operating under the country’s flag.
“Ghanaians are more excited flying their own flag than flying British Airways or Delta or United and being charged huge amounts for tickets. They think that we would feel more comfortable and fly in our own flag,” he said.
The ambassador described the discussions with Boeing as being at an advanced stage, but did not disclose the terms under consideration or give a date for the agreement to be completed.
“We are in talks with Boeing. The deal is nearing completion. We are working to ensure that Ghana has a national airline that we can all be proud of,” he stated.
Ghana has not had a national airline since Ghana Airways collapsed in 2004. Ghana International Airlines, which followed it, also ceased operations in 2010.
Successive governments have considered several ways of creating a new national carrier, including partnerships with international aviation companies.
The current initiative is intended to restore a Ghanaian airline, but key details remain to be announced. These include the proposed ownership structure, how the venture will be financed, the model under which it will operate and when flights could begin.
No launch date or further information about the proposed agreement with Boeing has been provided.
About the Author
