…KIA T3 attracting more airlines, bigger aircraft
Emirates Airlines is optimistic about its future growth prospects, in Ghana, and will continue to work hand-in-hand with the authorities, as a strategic partner, for mutual benefits.
“We look to grow as the local industry grows; we can see great prospects ahead,” Ms Catherine Wesley, Emirates Airlines Ghana Country Manager said, in an engagement with the media, in Accra, August 30.
She disclosed Emirates will operate a one-off flight of its iconic A380 double-decker aircraft to the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Tuesday, October 2, to join in celebrating the opening of the airport’s new Terminal 3
This is the first-ever scheduled A380 service to Ghana.
Wensley said the airline was committed to Ghana and that the A380 flight was being organised to assure of the new terminal’s capacity to handle large aircrafts like the A380; with Emirates’ future growth in sight.
She revealed that the A380 flight, having generated so much interest, the airline has introduced special fares that passengers could book until September 10, 2018.
Fares from Dubai start from US$655.00 for economy class.
This is to enable passengers to book seats on the A380 to or from Ghana on October 2.
Wensley intimated that Emirates, which started its service to Ghana in January 2004, with three flights per week, has experienced healthy growth over the years.
By March, the following year, the airline had increased services in Accra to six flights per week
Emirates, she said, currently operates daily flights from Ghana to Emirates’ global network via Dubai and employs over 100 Ghanaians, 68 of them cabin crew, noting that the airline’s partnership with Ghana was critical and would always be recognised as such.
Wensley disclosed, however, that much as they are excited about their Ghana operations, Emirates does not have immediate plans to introduce a larger aircraft than the Boeing 777 currently in operation on the Accra-Dubai route.
She explained that Emirates’ focus has remained the same over the years; “our goal was quality, not quantity and in the years since taking those first small steps onto the regional travel scene, we have evolved into a globally influential travel and tourism leader known the world over for our commitment to quality.”
Currently with a fleet of 271 aircraft, Emirates flies to 161 destinations in 86 countries around the world. Over 1,800 Emirates flights depart Dubai each day on their way to destinations on six continents, and their network is expanding constantly.
The airline operates over 1,800 flights per week from its passenger hub at Dubai International Airport, and freighter hub at Dubai World Central.
By Emmanuel Kwablah
