Annan-Myers: GIA didn't receive monthly GHc1.5m support from gov't

GIA will continue to fly even after government has withdrawn its support.

The Chief Executive of Ghana International Airlines (GIA), Mrs Gifty Annan-Myers says the company did not get GHc1.5million support from government every month.

Some weeks ago, Trade Minister, Mike Hammah said on Joy FMs Super Morning Show that government has taken a decision to cut its support to the national carrier because it can no longer pay the 1.5million operational support the GIA requires every month.

Contrary to this, the GIA boss noted, “No, not every month, we do not get GHc1.5million every month.”

She was speaking on Joy FMs Super Morning Show Thursday, where she explained that government only supports the GIA with that amount during low seasons.

According to her, airlines have low and high seasons. And since GIA was woefully under-capitalized from its inception, it cannot break even and make profit even in the high seasons; that is, when the airline runs full flight.

“During the low seasons … the loads are not there, so we have to get this support to pay for the aircraft,” she said. “This is where the support comes in,” she added.

Mrs Annan-Myers explained further that during high seasons, the GIA uses profit it has accrued to offset its debts.

She however stressed that government's decision to stop supporting the company did not come as a surprise at all.

Meanwhile, the GIA boss says the company is making preparations to seek help from investors who would like to work with them, assuring, the GIA will continue to fly even after government has withdrawn its support.

By: Dorcas Efe Mensah/myjoyonline.com/Ghana