In this edition, summaries of topical activities involving players in Ghana’s commercial aviation space between May 10 – 15, 2021 are highlighted as follows:
AWA Increases Flight Frequency to Lagos
Africa World Airlines has increased its flight frequency between Lagos and Accra to three daily flights. Flight schedules for Lagos-bound flights are 6:45 AM, 11:20 AM, and 6:10 PM, local time. Accra-bound flights are scheduled as follows: 9:15 AM, 1:50 PM, and 8:40PM, local time.
PassionAir Debuts New Uniform
Domestic airline operator, PassionAir has debuted a new uniform for its flight and cabin crew. The uniform which was outdoored on May 11, 2021, has a strong touch of the local Kente design which gives the airline a new image.
SAA Hoping to Restart Operations before September 2021
South African Airways (SAA) says it is aiming to restart its operations between July and August this year after exiting a business rescue plan late last month. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, SAA is trying to resolve issues it has with its pilots and also monitor the COVID-19 pandemic before setting a specific date.
The airline has suspended operations since September 2020.
United Restarts Commercial Operations in Ghana
United Airlines has resumed its flight operations between Accra and Washington with 3 weekly flights starting May 14, 2021. The route which was suspended by the airline in 2012 will now be serviced on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for passengers departing Washington to Accra and on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for passengers departing from Accra. The Accra-bound flight will depart at 6:05 PM from Washington and arrive at 8:40 AM (+1day). Washington-bound flights will depart Accra at 11:45 PM and arrive at 6:35 AM (+1day).
British Airways Trials ’25 Second COVID-19’ Test
Aiming to support the quick reopening of global borders, British Airways, and its medical technology partner, Canary Global have trialed an ultra-rapid Covid-19 antigen test that produces results in 25seconds.
The airline says it will use the test initially on its flight and cabin crew and compare it with its standard test results. The test uses saliva to detect SARS-CoV-2 and other variants in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
Kenya Debunks Reports of Flight Operations in Somaliland
Kenya Airways has debunked claims making rounds on social media that it operates flights from its hub, Nairobi to Hargeisa, Somaliland. It says flights to Somaliland are currently awaiting clearance and further approvals.
Brussels Extends Rebooking Option
Passengers of Brussels airlines with booked tickets can now reschedule their booking to any date as often as they want without any charges. However, all rebooking must be done before July 31, 2021, after which passengers will only have one more chance to make changes.
Also, for passengers who are indecisive about their travel dates, after the first cancellation of the initial travel date, they have up to August 31, 2021, to reschedule to another travel date in 2022 which must be before July 31, 2022
Authored
Mark Ofosu ||Twitter: M__ofosu
