ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES IN POLE POSITION TO KICKSTART A NEW GHANAIAN NATIONAL AIRLINE
(Posted 14th May 2019)
The government of Ghana and Ethiopian Airlines have concluded negotiations about the formation of a new national airline. While the Ghanaian government will initially hold 51 percent in the venture – these shares are at a later stage due for privatisation – will Ethiopian Airlines hold 49 percent and second senior management to the company.
It is understood that aircraft too will be sourced from Ethiopian Airlines while aircraft maintenance and training of personnel will also be vested in Ethiopian’s existing facilities in Addis Ababa.
No time frame for the launch of flights has been given at this stage.
The new airline will face immediate competition from Ghana’s private sector airline AWA, short for Africa World Airlines.
The airline, according to local sources in Accra, has however expressed interest to be involved in the new national airline. Mr. Sean Mendis, COO of AWA was quoted as having expressed his airlline’s continued desire to be involved though no specific proposals could be obtained if this would involve acquire shares in the company when the government is ready to divest or go as far as a possible merger, something Ethiopian Airlines would of course have to be involved in.
