By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The introduction of a new 102-seater aircraft by Africa World Airlines, AWA, is expected to increase passenger capacity and strengthen domestic air connectivity, as the government pushes airlines to translate recent duty exemptions into lower airfares.
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe made the call at the unveiling of AWA’s new Embraer E190 aircraft, as the airline expands its operations and seeks to strengthen connectivity on domestic routes.
The government has urged domestic airlines to pass on the benefits of recent import duty exemptions to passengers by reducing the cost of air travel.
The call comes amid concerns over the cost of domestic air travel and efforts to make air transport more affordable and accessible to Ghanaians.
According to Mr Nikpe, the decision to waive duties on aircraft parts imported by domestic airlines should help reduce their operating costs and create room for lower fares.
He therefore urged airlines, particularly AWA, to reflect the savings from the exemptions in the prices charged to passengers.
“We want to seize this opportunity to appeal to all the airlines, especially the leading domestic airlines, to also look at their affairs and let it reflect on the Ghanaian traveller, so that our people can also enjoy some reduction in airfares.”
The Transport Minister also welcomed the introduction of larger aircraft, saying the increased passenger capacity could encourage more Ghanaians to opt for domestic air travel.
The new Embraer E190 has a seating capacity of 102 passengers and is expected to support AWA’s efforts to expand capacity and strengthen connectivity on domestic routes.
Mr Nikpe said the combination of increased capacity and reduced operating costs presents an opportunity for airlines to make domestic air travel more accessible to the travelling public.
The government’s position is that lower operating costs resulting from the duty exemptions, together with increased aircraft capacity, should create room for passengers to benefit through reduced fares.
The development comes as authorities continue efforts to make domestic air transport more affordable and accessible while improving connectivity between destinations within Ghana.
