By Dominick Andoh |Ghana: New domestic airline to start operations soon | A new domestic airline is expected to commence domestic and regional operations soon. This follows the acquisition and branding of its aircraft this week.
The new airline, christened Relax Airlines, is expected to operate flights between Accra and Kumasi, Sunyani, Tamale, Wa, and Takoradi in the initial stages and venture into the West African regional market later.
To operate a fully-fledged airline in Ghana, both an Air Carrier License (ACL) and an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) are required. Relax Airlines already has an ACL and is reported to have completed its Air Training Organisation (ATO) and The Air Maintenance Organisation (AMO) inspections.
ATO, AMO, and aircraft inspections are crucial final stages for granting an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the aviation sector regulator, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
There are currently two airlines, Africa World Airlines and PassionAir, offering scheduled domestic flights from Accra to major regional capitals in Ghana.
The surge in demand post-COVID-19 restrictions has been met with a hike in airfares on these domestic routes. For instance, a return ticket from Accra to Kumasi costs about GHC 1,500. Fares on domestic destinations have remained largely elevated.
The significant increase in airfares has been driven mainly by demand, the high cost of jet fuel, and operational costs.
Relax intends to be a preferred airline carrier in Ghana by collaborating with major players in the industry to offer seamless travel experiences for clients. “Relax Airlines will grow profitability for its shareholders with smart partnerships and pioneer new destinations through its extensive network,” the company notes on its website.
Ghana seeks airlines for secondary airports.
The planned entry of Relax Airlines into Ghana’s aviation market is in line with the GCAA and the Ghana Airports Company Limited’s (GACL) commitment to attract more airlines to secondary airports in the country.
The Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Mrs. Yvonne N. A. Opare, speaking during the official launch of ITA Airways’ operations in Ghana in June, said: ” In line with our mission to provide world-class facilities and services, we recently commissioned the Tamale International Airport and the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi for both domestic and international operations.”
“These two markets, noted for their rich culture and traditions, possess immense untapped potential. I want to use this opportunity to invite you all, all the interested airlines, to explore the opportunities in these markets,” she added.
AviationGhana | Ghana : New domestic airline to start operations soon
