Aviation This Week – February Edition 4
The last episode of ‘Aviation This Week’ for the last week in the month of February, features topical aviation news highlights from February 22 – 27, 2021. The highlights are as follows:
GhIE Skeptical about Ghana, Egypt Air Partnership
The Ghana Institute of Engineers (GhIE) which has in recent times called for the transformation of Ghana into an aviation hub in Africa has stated that the partnership between Ghana and Egypt Air to establish a national carrier for the former will not be in the best interest of Ghana.
According to GhIE, the decision will create a conflict of interest going into the future when Ghana decides to embrace the vision of hub establishment.
Emirates Delivers First Consignment of COVAX Facility
Emirates Airlines on Wednesday, February 24, 2020 delivered the first consignment of COVID-19 vaccine under the COVAX Facility to Ghana. The airline transported 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca from Dubai to Accra.
Zoomlion Commits to Monthly Disinfections of Airports
Zoomlion has assured of its commitment to assist authorities of the country’s airports to embark on a monthly disinfection exercise of the various airports in the country. The announcement was made known by the Senior Vector Control Manager of the company after a disinfection exercise at the Kotoka International Airport last Thursday.
The monthly disinfection exercise according to Zoomlion will help assure passengers and airport staff of their safety.
Transport Minister-Designate on Matters of the Aviation Sector
During his vetting in Parliament this week, Transport Minister-Designate, Kwaku Asiamah assured Ghanaians that he will see to the construction and completion of the Cape Coast Airport during his tenure in office. Feasibility studies and plans for project funding was undertaken by former Aviation Minister, Kofi Adda.
Also, Mr. Asiamah said following a warning by the International Civil Aviation Organization, a new Air Traffic Control tower will be established by June, 2021.
On the issue of the Bolga Airport construction, he added that commencement of the project was delayed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, work is expected to begin this year.
KIA COVID-19 Testing Brouhaha
After a request for full contractual details between the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) and Frontiers Healthcare by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, information made available this week to some media outlets suggests that per the contractual agreement GACL is supposed to receive $10 per test at the Kotoka International Airport.
However, fresh details in the media space suggest that Frontiers is shortchanging GACL by paying $4 per test. This development some social activists have called for a probe into so sanctions can be applied where possible.
Engineers Displeased with Realignment of Aviation Ministry
The Ghana Institute of Engineers (GhIE) has registered its displeasure with the merging of the Aviation and Transport Ministries. GhIE is of the belief that the decision by the president could be counterproductive to the vision of transforming the Kotoka International Airport into a hub.
The GhIE which has in recent times deepened its advocacy on how aviation can be used as a catalyst for economic development says it will be engaging the Presidency to bring back the ministry or create a desk at the presidency.
Staff of Kotoka Withdraw Services
The general staff of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) at the Kotoka International Airport on Friday, February 26, 2021 embarked on a strike action to indicate their dissatisfaction over an alleged attempt by GACL’s board to shelve a report confirming the mismanagement and abuse of office by the Managing Director of the company.
Services at the airport that were affected were mainly public announcement and flight display, screening of pre-board passengers and access control, among others.
RwandAir to Trial IATA Travel Pass
RwandAir has joined the list of airlines to incorporate the use of the IATA Travel Pass on a trial basis on some selected route network. The airline which made the announcement on February 23, 2021 says it intends to carry out this plan on its Kigali – Nairobi route for three weeks.
The IATA Travel Pass is an application developed to help in the safe reopening of borders by mainly helping passengers to upload their COVID-19 vaccination or test details digitally to help airlines and governments to verify. The application also makes available information on travel requirements of various countries to passengers.
KLM Shows Commitment to Customers
KLM says as part of its COVID-19 loyalty measure for its customers registered in its loyalty program - Flying Blue, it will extend all miles of its Explorer members until the end of 2021 and an extension of Elite Membership renewal with the qualification period from now till the end of the year.
Additionally, the airline is given the opportunity for changes to be made to reward tickets without any charges.
Emirates to Verify COVID-19 Tests and Vaccination Digitally
Emirates and the Dubai Health Authority have come to terms to implement a digital verification system for travelers’ medical records related to COVID-19 testing and vaccination.
The move is expected to enhance paperless services and also improve travelers’ efficiency and compliance with entry requirements as they travel around the world.
BY Mark Ofosu || Twitte: M__ofosu