Ghana and Boeing have signed a memorandum of understanding for three 787-9 Dreamliners on Tuesday at the Dubai Airshow.
The move is to help the country fast-track the establishment of the home-based carrier.
Ghana intends to re-launch an airline starting with the 787-9 Dreamliner, a statement signed by Paul Bergman, Boeing Communications, on Tuesday, November 19 said.
“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,” said Joseph Kofi Adda, Honorable Minister of Aviation.
He said the carrier, to be based in Accra, would establish the capital city as a strategic hub that serves cities across West Africa. Future routes would include destinations in Europe, North America and Asia and the long-term plan is to open the airline to private investment and operation.
For his part, Senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing for The Boeing Company, Ihssane Mounir, said, “Africa boasts a growing, young workforce and vast natural resources. We see the demand for air travel continuing to rise across the continent. Boeing is honored to work with Ghana in helping re-launch an airline to serve this vast market.”
“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 787-9 is part of a family of three airplanes that offer long ranges and unmatched fuel efficiency in the 200 to 350 seat market. The 787-9 can carry 296 passengers and fly up to 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 kms), while reducing fuel use and emissions by 20 to 25 percent compared to older airplanes.
