Ghanaian Carrier, Africa World Airlines (AWA) has launched its inaugural flight to Abidjan, the capital of Côte d’Ivoire.
The six weekly flights each way between Accra and Abidjan, linking the major cities of the world’s two largest cocoa producing countries.
Operating the Embraer 145 aircraft on flight AW428 from Kotoka International Airport to Felix Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, management of the airline in a short ceremony cut a cake to signify the official launch to their first francophone African country.
“Abidjan is an important market for business travelers from Accra”, said Togbe Afede XIV, Founder and Co-Chairman of Africa World Airlines. “AWA has developed a reputation for providing safe, reliable, and affordable air transportation. This new route will permit us to introduce our award-winning services to travelers in Cote d’Ivoire as well.”
He recalled in brief the beginning of the airline in Ghana some 8 years ago and its success now. The King of the Agbogbomefia state revealed plans by the Ghanaian Carrier to acquire 4 additional aircraft by end of year bring its fleets to 12 in total. He assured the authorities in Côte d’Ivoire that AWA is in Abidjan to stay.
The Chief Operating Officer of the Airline, Sean Mendis in his address said, Africa World Airline was pleased to launch the first flight between Accra and Abidjan. ‘’This marks the 10th destination for the airline, five domestic and five international destinations. Abidjan is the first foray into the francophone market which is important Ghanaian airline since Ghana is boarded by French speaking countries’’.
‘’AWA is developing Accra as a hub. A hub to connect regional traffic within to and from the region. As a result, connections to and from Abidjan via Accra to Nigeria market, Freetown, Monrovia to our partner airline network such as South African Airways are very important to Africa World Airlines overall strategy and growth vision’’ Mr Mendis concluded.
Ghana’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Frederick Daniel Laryea lauded the airline for linking the two countries together.
“With the coming on board of Africa world airlines, travelers between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire now have more options. This I believe will boost business travels and increase the flow of possible investments between the two countries” the Ghanaian diplomat said.
He believes the coming into force of AFCTA should help the airline industry to position its self to take advantage of the expected business activities.
The flight schedule will be as below (all times Local).
AW428 ACC dep 1450 arr 1545 ABJ Friday only
AW432 ACC dep 1825 arr 1920 ABJ Mon/Wed/Thu/Sat/Sun
AW421 ABJ dep 0725 arr 0820 ACC Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sun
AW429 ABJ dep 1615 arr 1710 ACC Friday only
Ghana’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Frederick Daniel Laryea
Africa World Airlines is a private sector Ghanaian airline based in Accra. AWA started operations in 2012 and now operates a fleet of 8 jet aircraft across 10 destinations throughout Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone and Cote d’lvoire.
AWA maintains IOSA certification, the global gold standard for aviation safety, and is the only IATA member airline presently headquarted in Ghana. AWA was recently inducted into the CIMG Hall of Fame after being voted as “Domestic Airline of the Year” in Ghana for 5 consecutive years, and was also recognised for “Best Connectivity in West Africa”
