Aviation This Week – Part 2

‘Aviation This Week’, today, highlights notable events in the aviation industry relevant to the Ghanaian aviation space within the period of November 16-21, 2020.

Asky Starts Accra-Lome- Johannesburg Service

Asky on November 19, 2020 resumed its flight operations to Johannesburg from Accra via Lome. With a scheduled departure from Accra on 10:40 AM (GMT) daily, passengers have an hour connecting time from Lome ahead of a 7: 50 PM scheduled arrival time in Johannesburg. As part of moves to whip up customers’ demands, prices of tickets starts at US$383.

Ethiopian, AWA recognized at CIMG Awards

At the 31^st Annual National Marketing Performance Awards organized by the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG), Ethiopian Airlines and Africa World Airlines (AWA) were recognized as the best airlines in international and domestic categories respectively. AWA was also inducted into the CIMG Hall of Fame after having been selected as the best domestic airline continuously for five years since 2015.

Ghana Airport Authorities Revise COVID-19 Safety Protocols

On November 16, 2020, the revised COVID-19 safety protocols by the Ghana Airport Company Limited came into effect. The new guideline worth noting in the latest update is that children between the ages of 5-12 years would undergo the COVID-19 test for free at the airport. Also, all other guidelines such as the online payment of the COVID-19 test and the US$3,500 fine per passenger imposed on airlines for carrying passengers with positive COVID-19 status or without a PCR test, among others still stand.

Secretary-General of African Development Bank Calls for Reduction in KIA’s $150 COVID-19 Test

The Secretary-General of the African Development Bank Group, Professor Vincent Nmehielle earlier this week called on Ghana’s airport authorities to consider a review of the $150 COVID-19 PCR test conducted at the Kotoka International Airport. According to Mr. Nmehielle, the high cost is an impediment to the movement of humans and goods on the continent considering Ghana’s position as the headquarters of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

Delta Airlines to Continue Blocking Middle Seats

Delta Airlines in its latest communication says it will continue to remain the only US carrier to continue the blocking of middle seats through to March 2021 as part of COVID-19 safety protocols. This policy marks the extension of Delta’s policy for social distancing onboard its aircrafts.

Emirates Tops in Global Ranking in Travel Safety

With a score of 4.4 out of 5.0, Emirates Airlines has been selected among 230 airlines by the Save Travel Barometer as the safest airline. Emirates selection was due to the safety and health protocols it had put in place to encourage traveling since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qatar Airways Reveals New Livery to Celebrate World Cup 2022, Introduces Students Club

Qatar Airways as part of efforts to provide smooth educational journeys to students has introduced the Student Club Program. The offer which is open to all students worldwide will see its members enjoy special fares on flights, flexibility in changing travel dates, extra baggage allowances and complimentary Wifi onboard. Other additional offers include the automatic inclusion of all Student Club members unto the Qatar Airways Privilege Club which will make them eligible for a tier upgrade as a graduation gift and the opportunity to earn 5000 Qmiles when a member refers a friend.

Also, as Qatar host the FIFA 2022 World Cup, Qatar Airways has changed the livery of seven of its aircrafts as part of efforts to mark the celebration of the event.

BY: Mark Ofosu || Aviation Geek || [email protected]