President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has applauded efforts by captain of Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan, for his acquisition of an air carrier licence to operate an airline in the country.
The airline which is rumoured to operate as ‘Baby Jet Airlines’ will add to the numerous business ventures by the former Liberty Professionals who has successfully operated in the transport, boxing and detergent sectors.
Speaking at the maiden Aerospace and Aviation Exhibition of West Africa at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, President Akufo-Addo commended Gyan for his vision in investing in the aviation industry and promised his government was committed to make the domestic airline business more viable for young entrepreneurs and local businessmen.
The show, which is the first to be held in Africa, under the theme: “Connecting Aviation Professionals Across all Areas of the Industry within the African Market” brought together major investors for both general and commercial aviation in Africa to discover the latest developments and innovations.
“Government is committed to encouraging and supporting local airlines and entrepreneurs to set-up strong private airlines. In line with these, government through the ministry of aviation is renewing initial bilateral airline services agreements with its contracting states. This has led to African World Airlines (AWA) now flying daily to Abuja and Lagos,” President Akufo-Addo said at the expo.
“I have been reliably informed that the Captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan, has attained an air carrier licence and is working feverishly to establish an airline. I want to appeal to other Ghanaians both home and abroad to invest in the rapidly growing aviation sector,” the President added.
The expo also provided an opportunity for manufacturers and service providers in the sector to explore and meet potential customers. It also highlighted the importance of infrastructure within the aviation industry to discover first-hand, the range of new technologies and solutions that the industry has to offer.
The event also showcased what Ghana offered in terms of aviation with leading media group, EIB Network, offering GH¢2 million worth of airtime to promote the expo.
The exhibition and conference of West Africa airlines and is being organised by Dubai-based 4M Events.
The expo is designed to connect professionals across all areas of the industry with the African market, which is directly in line with the government’s vision of making Ghana the aviation hub of West Africa.
By Gottlieb Baako
