Africa World Airlines commences operations

Africa World Airlines (AWA) commenced operations as scheduled on 21-Sep-2012, according to reports from sources including GNA, Carnoc.com, China Broadcasting and HiNews.cn. The carrier will initially provide services from its base at Accra Kotoka Airport to Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi with a fleet of two Embraer ERJ145s. Africa World Airlines founder Togbe Afede said, "we intend our growth to mirror that of HNA, which currently has a fleet of about 400 aircrafts [sic]." China's Ambassador to Ghana Gong Jianzhong stated the foundation of AWA "is a milestone for the aviation cooperation between China and Africa. Also, it will strengthen the bilateral trade cooperation and promote understanding between the two countries." Mr Gong added AWA "will support the construction of air hubs in Western Africa." HNA Group board member Chen Wenli said, "AWA is the first civil aviation enterprise invested by a Chinese company in Africa. It will deepen China-Africa friendship, and promote the civil aviation development in Ghana, even in Africa."