Under the agreement, Emirates customers will have the opportunity to connect to selected routes of Africa World Airlines’ network. It is also expected to open up new African destinations for Emirates customers from May 2019.

In a joint press release issued by the two airlines on April 15 in Accra, the Senior Vice President in charge of Commercial Operations (Africa) of Emirates Airlines, Mr Orhan Abbas, observed that the agreement underpinned the commitment of the airlines to provide greater connectivity across West Africa.

“This partnership will allow us to further extend West Africa via the selected domestic and regional routes of Africa World Airlines,” Mr Abbas said.

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) of AWA, Mr Sean Mendis, indicated that AWA was proud to partner with Emirates in order to connect passengers through its hub at the Terminal Three of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

“Customers will enjoy seamless connections at the premier gateway to the West African region as a result of this new agreement," he stated.

Details of the agreement

Passengers on Emirates’ network can now benefit from greater connectivity to West Africa, especially those travelling from popular inbound markets such as Dubai, China, India and Australia as they can now connect from Accra onto AWA flights to Kumasi, Tamale and Sekondi-Takoradi in Ghana and regional destinations Monrovia in Liberia and Freetown in Sierra Leone.

Emirates passengers could choose from seven weekly flights from Dubai to Accra until June 2, this year, when Emirates Airlines will increase services on the route to 11 weekly flights.

The agreement with AWA will further extend Emirates’ connectivity from Accra with up to 10 flights daily to Kumasi, four flights daily each to Tamale and Takoradi and six weekly flights to Monrovia and Freetown.

Between Dubai and Accra, Emirates operates the Boeing 777-300ER, one of the most technologically advanced and efficient aircraft in the world.

Advanced aircrafts

The aircraft’s advanced wing design, efficient engine and light structure make more efficient use of fuel. This means significantly less emissions than similar aircraft, making it one of the most 'green' long range commercial aircraft types.

Passengers in all cabin classes could also enjoy Emirates’ award-winning entertainment on ice – the airline’s inflight entertainment system that offers 4,000 channels of in-flight entertainment.

Customers will get the opportunity to enjoy complimentary beverages and regionally inspired meals, as well as the warm hospitality of the airline’s multi-cultural cabin crew.

Passengers could also stay connected to family and friends during the flight with up to 20 megabyte (MB) of complementary Wi-Fi.

AWA is a Ghanaian registered airline based in Accra. It started operations in 2012 and now operates a fleet of eight all-jet aircraft across eight destinations throughout Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone, with services to Cote d’Ivoire planned to commence in May 2019.

AWA is the only IATA member airline registered in Ghana and maintains IOSA certification, the global gold standard for aviation safety.