Ghana International Airlines unable to become national carrier for Ghana - claim

Airline Industry Information, April 27, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Ghana International Airlines (GIA) reportedly does not have the capacity and expertise to start a new national airline for Ghana.

Earlier this year, GIA was selected to replace Ghana Airways and become the new national carrier for Ghana. Although GIA said it has raised USD2.9m as part of its 30% stake to help the new national airline begin operations in June, it has not secured any aircraft yet, reported ghanaweb.com.

Because of GIA's problems, Ethiopian Airways have been contacted to help both GIA and Ghana Airways, reported the Statesman newspaper. Ethiopian Airways and the Ghanaian government are reportedly holding discussions on the possibility of government retaining 25% of shares in Ghana Airways and selling 40% to Ethiopian Airways and GIA.

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