Qatar Airways has begun operations in Ghana with its first flight arriving at the Kotoka International Airport via the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Being the fourth new destination launched by the national carrier of the State of Qatar since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline will operate four weekly flights to Accra, Ghana via Lagos.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner features 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class.
Minister of Aviation, Joseph Kofi Adda, speaking in an interview said, the arrival of the airline is indicative of the level of confidence the airline has in the management of the country’s economy amidst COVID-19.
Highlighting the varied prospects of the airliner, Joseph Adda expressed his excitement over the confidence bestowed on the country as it will augur well for the aviation and tourism industry.
“We are very happy precisely because it is coming in the wake of the COVID-19 and the re-opening of the airport. It is an indication of confidence in what is going on in Ghana and the aviation sector. Our efforts to make sure that we are able to take samples and tests and contain the importation of the virus into the country, tells us that Qatar is happy. It is also a manifestation of the prudent management of the economy. For us, we are looking at it as an indication of competition”.
“The emergence of Qatar Airways just a few weeks since Ghana reopened the Kotoka International Airport, signals the confidence gained from international airlines amid the coronavirus pandemic – there is something we are doing right”.
In ensuring the safety of travelers, the airliner assured passengers of peace of mind, as it has equally extended its booking policies to offer even more choices to its passengers.
According to the Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, the choice of Ghana’s capital is due to its “fame for local hospitality and highly sought after agricultural exports”.
“We look forward to working closely with our partners in Ghana to steadily grow this route and support the recovery of tourism and trade in the region”.
The airline will allow unlimited date changes, and passengers can change their destination as often as they need if it is within 5,000 miles of the original destination.
As part of its ethos, the airline will not charge any fare differences for travels completed before 31 December 2020, after which fare rules will apply.
All tickets booked for travel of up to 31 December 2020 will be valid for two years, from the date of issuance.
