Accra,(Greater Accra) 4 Nov. Ghana Airways Limited today took delivery of its second DC-9 aircraft to augment its fleet of aircraft on its international flights. The two aircraft with a seating capacity for 118 each and costing 7.65 million dollars, was purchased from AVENSA, an airline in Venezuela. Speaking to newsmen at a short ceremony at the tarmac, Mr Emmanuel Quartey, Chairman of the Interim Management Committee of Ghana Airways said his organisation is taking delivery of this second DC-9 as part of its objectives of ensuring that the airline regains and retains it position as leading operator in West Africa. He said the arrival of the aircraft has put the airline in a better position to offer a higher level of reliability and customer service and that with the two DC-9 aircraft, Ghana Airways can now operate a “hub and spoke” flight out of Kotoka International Airport. ”Long haul passengers flying in and out of Accra can now be transported to and from other regional capitals”, he explained. Mr David Ely, head of engineering at the Ghana Airways, assured the public that the condition of the aircraft is very good, saying that majority of its components are new. He said the aircraft has gone through all the routine checks and testing by the manufacturers and Ghana Airways engineers. Two Captains of Ghana Airways popped champagne to officially welcome the aircraft. Currently, Ghana Airways flies eight destinations in West Africa while new routes in the Sahelian and Central African regions are being considered.
