The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is optimistic of an increase in trade volumes between Ghana and the Gulf States as Doha based Qatar Airways plans to commence its operations in Ghana.
The airline has concluded its discussions with authorities but it is yet to finalize their flight schedule ahead of their first flight in April.
Qatar Airways will be the second Gulf carrier to operate commercial flights in a market that Emirates is already operating daily flights.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Abdulai Alhassan, has told Citi Business News, the coming of Qatar Airways is an indication of Ghana’s credibility as a conducive business destination.
“As they come in, they are bringing in businesses and now that we are promoting Public Private Partnerships than can also help to flourish our business outlook , they have already commenced cargo flights; passenger flights will commence in April,’’ Mr Alhassan said.
The GCAA boss was also of the view that there will be increased competition in airfares for passengers which will in the long term increase air traffic thereby bring in some revenue.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al-Baker during President Mahama’s 3-day visit to Qatar last year said: “Africa had huge potential and is the world’s most under-served region due to the impediment put in place by most governments.”
Qatar Airways is the national carrier for the Gulf State of Qatar, operating to 100 destinations from its hub at Doha International Airport to destinations in the Middle East, Far East, Indian Subcontinent, Europe, North and South America.
Credit: citifmonline