The Ghanaian government has welcomed the introduction of a new 102-seater Embraer E190 aircraft by Africa World Airlines, AWA, as a move to increase passenger capacity and strengthen domestic air connectivity. Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, made the remarks at the unveiling of the aircraft, as AWA expands its operations to improve connectivity on domestic routes. This development is expected to support the government's efforts to make air transport more affordable and accessible to Ghanaians.
The government has been urging domestic airlines to pass on the benefits of recent import duty exemptions to passengers by reducing airfares. According to Mr Nikpe, waiving duties on aircraft parts imported by domestic airlines should help reduce their operating costs, creating room for lower fares. He therefore urged airlines, particularly AWA, to reflect the savings from the exemptions in the prices charged to passengers. This call comes amid concerns over the high cost of domestic air travel.
The introduction of the new Embraer E190 aircraft is expected to support AWA's efforts to expand capacity and strengthen connectivity on domestic routes. With a seating capacity of 102 passengers, the aircraft could encourage more Ghanaians to opt for domestic air travel. Mr Nikpe said the combination of increased capacity and reduced operating costs presents an opportunity for airlines to make domestic air travel more accessible to the travelling public.
The government's position is that lower operating costs resulting from the duty exemptions, together with increased aircraft capacity, should create room for passengers to benefit through reduced fares. Authorities continue efforts to make domestic air transport more affordable and accessible while improving connectivity between destinations within Ghana. The development is expected to have a positive impact on the country's aviation sector.
The Transport Minister also welcomed the introduction of larger aircraft, saying it could encourage more Ghanaians to opt for domestic air travel. He urged airlines to seize the opportunity to review their affairs and reflect the benefits of duty exemptions on airfares. This, he believes, will enable Ghanaians to enjoy some reduction in airfares.
AWA's new Embraer E190 aircraft is expected to support the airline's expansion plans and improve domestic air connectivity. The aircraft's increased passenger capacity will enable AWA to offer more flights and improve its services. The development is a boost to Ghana's aviation sector, which has been working to improve air transport services.
The government remains committed to making domestic air transport more affordable and accessible to Ghanaians. With the introduction of new aircraft and duty exemptions, authorities are optimistic that airfares will decrease, making air travel more accessible to the general public. The sector is expected to experience growth, with AWA's new aircraft being a significant addition.
Key points
- The new 102-seater Embraer E190 aircraft is expected to increase passenger capacity and strengthen domestic air connectivity in Ghana.
- The government has urged domestic airlines to pass on the benefits of recent import duty exemptions to passengers by reducing airfares.
- The introduction of larger aircraft could encourage more Ghanaians to opt for domestic air travel, making air transport more accessible and affordable.
