The launch of direct flights between the two cites is the first inter-regional flight outside Accra, as all other domestic airlines operate from the Kotoka international Airport to other regional capitals.
This provides passengers with more flexibility in their travels as movement between the two cities have been made easier.
Speaking to journalists on the maiden flight, Mr Richard Kyereh, Deputy Head of Commercial for Africa World Airlines, said the launch was part of its strategic plan for the year as it had noticed there is demand for flights on the route.
He said with the service, passengers no longer need to fly to Accra before connecting to Kumasi or Tamale.
AWA would operate the flights four times weekly flights from Kumasi and Tamale on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays on its ERJ 145 aircraft.
The flight would depart the Kumasi Airport at 10:25am and arrive in Tamale at 11:15am. The return flight also departs Tamale at 11: 45am and arrives back at Kumasi at 12:35pm.
Mr Kyereh said the airline is offering an introductory fare of GH₵ 199 tax-inclusive on the Kumasi-Tamale route.
“We believe that this will actually help commute our students, business men and women and traders between these two cities,” he said.
He assured passengers that in line with its vision, it would deliver safe, reliable and timely flights at ‘mouth-watering’ fares for passengers on the route.
The new direct flights complement AWA’s existing flight schedules from Accra-Kumasi (Four flight daily) and Accra to Tamale- five flights daily. The regional flight from Accra to Lagos also remains intact.
“We are always looking for new ways to raise the standards of air transport industry in Ghana and we are also committed to investing in the communities we serve, on the ground.
“This new route will act as a bridge for trade, commerce and cultural exchange with the city of Kumasi and Tamale.”
Mr Kwadwo Abrefa Sarkodie, Ashanti Regional Airport Manager, said the new flight would open up business in the two cities as connecting between them would be easier and cheaper than before.
He noted that it would also increase the airport’s bottom line as passenger numbers go up.
He said as the route develops and regional airports are built in other regions, the Kumasi Airport is ready to encourage and partner with other carriers who are ready and willing to develop any of the new routes.
He also stated that management of the Ghana Airport Company Limited is in discussions with some regional operators who has expressed in interest in using the Kumasi Airport as their case for regional flights.
“It’s a matter of time, pretty soon we will get airlines who will do regional operations from Kumasi to Lagos, Abuja and Abidjan.”
He said there is a market for the flights as most people in Kumasi are traders.
Mr. Michael Omane Mensah, Regional Airport Manager-Tamale also expressed joy at the launch of the flights saying it was his dream to see flights between the two cities as it would increase activity at the Tamale airport.
He also noted that the ongoing construction of the Wa airport, when completed, will also contribute to increase passenger throughput at the airport and also increase its earnings.
Source: GNA
