Forget Emirates ordering 50 Airbus A350-900s at the Dubai Airshow yesterday, this is much more interesting.
Ghana Intends To Order Three 787-9s
The Republic of Ghana has announced that they intend to relaunch a national airline. The country and Boeing signed a memorandum of understanding for three Boeing 787-9s, at a list price of $877.5 million (though there are always discounts).
Now, the first thing worth noting is that you shouldn’t put too much weight on stuff like this until the order is finalized, because memorandums of understanding are constantly changed.
Joseph Kofi Adda, the Minister of Aviation and Member of Parliament of Ghana, said the following:
“There is a growing demand for air travel to and from Ghana and we believe the advanced 787-9 Dreamliner gives us an efficient and flexible machine to launch a regional network and eventually serve international destinations in the future. The 787 has an excellent reputation for its operational performance, fuel efficiency and passenger experience and we are confident that we have the right partner for our new carrier.”
The plan is for Accra to be used as a hub from which to serve destinations in West Africa. Future routes would include destinations in Europe, North America, and Asia, with a long-term goal of opening the airline to private investment and operation.
Questionable Logic…
I have a couple of initial thoughts on this:
- If their goal is to initially operate regional flights, starting a new airline with 787-9s seems… a bit excessive
- If they are absolutely committed to getting widebodies, it seems completely unjustifiable to buy brand new 787-9s, when there are used widebodies that can be purchased for a fraction of the cost
Aviation In Ghana
Ghana International Airlines was the former national airline of Ghana, and they suspended operations in 2010. They had a single Boeing 757-200, and they flew to Dusseldorf, Johannesburg, and London.
Since then, we’ve seen both some awesome airline developments in Ghana, and less awesome ones.
For example, there are a couple of “fake” airlines that get quite a bit of the press, like Global Ghana Airlines and Goldstar Air, neither of which have launched operations.
But then you also have some success stories. For example, Africa World Airlines commenced operations in 2012, and they operate a fleet of eight ERJ-145s. They have a fantastic safety record, they’ve grown sustainably, and they’re profitable.
Bottom Line
I’ll be curious to see if this 787-9 order actually gets finalized, or if this is simply one of those memorandums of understanding that doesn’t amount to anything.
If the goal is to initially launch a regional African airline, I can’t wrap my head around how this is the best way to go about it.
What do you think the odds are of Ghana’s national airline relaunching, especially with 787-9s?
(Tip of the hat to James & @IshrionA)
I really hope this materialises as we NEED more competition from LON-ACC to get the flight prices down!!!
If only it can be managed well. Can be kept away from management of corrupted officials. There will be no false pretends and hiding under very poorly maintenance aircraft and it can be managed to competite globally. These are the tests.
Had a great flight in the late 90's on Ghana Airways DC10, from Lagos to Accra, flight was delayed LOS due to bad weather, I was in J class, both myself and pax next to me managed to get 175ml bottles Laurent Perrier Champagne each while on the ground. After take off the cabin crew disappeared, gave up waiting for any service went to the galley and asked for another couple of bottles of LP...
Had a great flight in the late 90's on Ghana Airways DC10, from Lagos to Accra, flight was delayed LOS due to bad weather, I was in J class, both myself and pax next to me managed to get 175ml bottles Laurent Perrier Champagne each while on the ground. After take off the cabin crew disappeared, gave up waiting for any service went to the galley and asked for another couple of bottles of LP told to help myself, which we did and managed to down about 4 bottles each. LOL.
@ Daniel Thank you, Prime Minister.
We have too much resources of our own to afford even more than that. but i hope it's not partnership or privatize.moreover not for political gains.we need GH AIRWAYS BACK .The capital is there but we are too corrupt.
would love to see an ACC-JFK/EWR route. Make it happen!
"Now, the first thing worth noting is that you shouldn’t put too much weight on stuff like this until the order is finalized, because memorandums of understanding are constantly changed"
You mean like Emirates as you indicated in another post of yours
"But the rest of their plans are a bit confusing:
Emirates planned to order 787-10s, but the status of that order is in limbo"
The Ghana DC10 was always considered such an exotic thing. Shame it was like a chicken coop inside.
Global Ghana Airlines must be horrified as they now have a (semi) legitimate competitor. Or maybe they’ll codeshare with this new airline ;-).
Seems to be missing the front landing gear
Very brave decision to go in against Global Ghana Airlines on their home turf.
They also signed a LOI for six turboprops https://dehavilland.com/en/news/posts/government-of-ghana-signs-letter-of-intent-to-purchase-up-to-six-dash-8-400-aircraft-from-de-havilland-canada
I don't think I'll ever not laugh out loud at that Goldstar Air pic, no matter how often I see it.
What is that aircraft exactly, a Boeing 777-100?