Ghana’s new national airline, Ghana Airlines will commence operations in the third quarter (Q3) of 2023 just as the Ghana government cleared the path by granting a tender to Ashanti Airlines in partnership with London-based Zotus Group Inc.
Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Ghana’s Minister for Transport said: “The time has come to return Ghana to the aviation map. Learning from past experiences and following best practices within the aviation industry, it is best to collaborate with the private sector.”
The airline has obtained the air carrier license and is in the final stages of obtaining the air operator certificate, the companies said in a statement.
The new airline will start with domestic flights and later add regional and international routes, including London and New York and will be funded by the Zotus Group, the statement said.
As per sources, Ghana Airlines fleet could comprise of Boeing 787 Dreamliners along with Dash 8-400 for domestic and short-haul travel. The government had signed a firm order for three Boeing 787 Dreamliners at the Dubai Airshow in November 2019.
It’s been 13 years since the collapse of Ghana’s national carrier amid rising debt and failed attempts to find international investors. On February 24, 2022, Ashanti Group was shortlisted through a competitive process and later received cabinet approval for the strategic partnership.