Ghana has been contemplating seriously relaunching of its national Carrier for the last few months. The plan from the drawing board is getting translated into action.at the last week’s Dubai Air Show, the Government of Ghana signed a deal with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada to buy six Dash8-400 aircraft to start its national airline. The Aircraft is expected to be delivered by the first quarter of 2020. The modalities of financing the deal are expected to be presented to Cabinet for approval and then to Parliament.
The Minister of Aviation, Joseph Kofi Adda, who signed the Agreement, on Ghana’s behalf, said that the decision to purchase the aircraft was taken after due diligence. The capacity of Dash-8s, of around 82 passengers will be able to serve the domestic and regional needs of Ghana. It suited the requirements of Ghana to service passengers within the country and also to other West African countries like Senegal, The Gambia, Cameroon and Congo.
Additionally, Ghana has signed a Letter of intent for three Boeing 787-9 planes (Dream Liners) for the long haul, trans-oceanic travel. It will fly to Europe, North America, and the even Middle East and Asia. The Minister was hopeful that these deals will be able to get approvals from cabinet and parliament by the year-end so that payment procedures can be initiated for procurement of the aircrafts. The Government, he said is also examining the scope for the leasing arrangement of air crafts. According to the Aviation Minister, the search is on for an appropriate name for the new home-based airline. The government is also examining the scope of private sector investment to fund the purchase of new aircraft. The new carrier will have minimum government interference with the government expected to own only ten percent stake. Private investors and a strategic partner, Ethiopian Airlines, will reportedly own the remaining ninety percent. The Minister revealed that  some domestic airlines are in talks with his ministry for a possible partnership.
