Singapore Airlines launches Passenger Sales Agency in Accra

Minister of Aviation Gloria Akuffo says its policy of air transport liberalization that gives operators a favourable business environment in line with market demands is yielding positive results.

Speaking at the launch of Singapore Airlines Passenger Sales Agency in Ghana, Miss Akuffo said besides the favourable environment, improved infrastructure and facilities needed by businesses in the aviation industry it had also contributed to the increasing number of reputable airlines seeking to operate to and from Ghana.

For example, she said the number of Airlines operating in Ghana has increased from 19 in 2005 to 25 presently with more applications pending.

Under the Passenger Sales Agency deal with Travelex Limited, a Ghanaian Tour and Travel Agency, passengers travelling to the Far East would be able to connect Singapore Airlines in Cairo after flying Egypt Air from Accra.

The move is the first step to establishing full flight services between the two countries.

Miss Akuffo, whose speech was read for her, said the separation of aviation safety, regulation and the provision of air traffic services managed by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), from the development, maintenance and management of the nation's airports and airstrips, which were now run by the Ghana Airports Company Limited was another move to boost the industry.

She urged Singapore Airlines to pursue the process for the regularization of bilateral air services agreement between Singapore and Ghana to facilitate full flight operations to and from Ghana.

Mr Willie Orhin, Deputy Director-General, Finance and Administration of the GCAA, said the launch was an indication of Singapore Airlines' interest in possibly commencing operations in the country if feasibility studies being conducted by the Airline proved favourable.

He pledged the support of GCAA in facilitating the passenger sales activities of Singapore Airlines and also assured them of availability of facilities and services to ensure safety and security of their operations in Ghana.

Mr Ang Beng Siong, General Manager, Singapore Airlines, Egypt and North Africa, expressed the hope that the partnership between the Airline and Travelex would work well to make their presence in Ghana meaningful.

He assured Ghanaians that the Airline would explore ways in which the collaboration would be mutually beneficial to the parties.

Mr P.O. Addai, Chief Executive of Travelex, said the launch of the sales agency marks the beginning of the provision of high quality service for which Singapore Airlines was well known.

Singapore Airlines has grown from a regional airline some 60 years ago into a global company with a reputation as a first class airline.

Source: GNA