National airline key for Ghana’s aviation hub

Ghana's quest to become a hub for airline travel within the West African sub-region could largely be achieved if it is able to successfully re-establish its National airline and build a hustle free travel system.

This is the suggestion from the country Manager for RwandAir, Dennis Rwiliriza.

“A national carrier does a lot to also build the country so I would say it's a total link to the launching of a national airline. The facility in terms of the airport definitely needs to be able to accommodate that. So the fact that it's being increased right now, and at a very impressive rate, I can see the works are very much ongoing that essentially will enable the hub effect to take place,” he remarked.

It is in government's plan that Ghana's aviation industry improves to become a centre to control domestic, regional and international flights within the Sub-region.

Some interventions aimed at this, have been the reduction of the cost of aviation fuel, expansion of some of the country's airport terminals as well as the re-establishment of a National Airline.

But Dennis Rwiliriza explains to Citi Business News the objective would be possible if Ghana works to achieve a holistic aviation sector.

“…obviously there has to be a feed; an agreed feed that's really what constitutes a hub. Where is the traffic going to come from. It should be international if it's going to be rated a hub and it should be able to handle large volumes of in and out transit has to be seamless,” he further stressed.

President Mahama at an inauguration of a newly constructed air cargo centre reiterated the objective to create an aviation hub.

The Ghana Air Cargo Centre, which possesses hundred thousand tonnes capacity a multi-million dollar project.

The GACC is also a joint partnership between cargo airline; Air Ghana and the Ghana Airports Company Limited.

Meanwhile government is yet to complete the processes to commence the operations of a new national airline.

Contrary to earlier reports that a new national airline will be ready in October, the Transport Ministry has since denied any of such.

According to the Chief Director at the Ministry, Twumasi Ankrah Selby, the processes involved may require an extended time to complete.

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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana