American Airlines officials on a working visit to Ghana.

Accra (Greater Accra) 21 April 

The American Airlines is to use Ghana as a gateway to expand its operations in West Africa. However, the Airlines do not have immediate plan to start a direct flight to Ghana but will use its ''Global Alliance'' involving British Airways, Canadian Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airlines and Qantas Airways to connect passengers to their various destinations.

This arrangement is very cost effective, gives better services to passengers through a wider net work and enables the participating airlines to meet the keen competition in the airline business, Mr Ish Jalal, regional sales manager for Europe, of the Airline, explained in Accra on Tuesday to reporters. He is at the head of a delegation of the Airline, on a two-day working visit to the country to explore opportunities for the Airline in West Africa. Mr Jalal attributed the expansion of the airline in West Africa to the hard work of its Ghanaian team. Mr Ekow Paintsil, sales and marketing manager, West Africa, said even though American Airlines does not fly direct to Ghana, it provides excellent service to its customers. Mr Matthew Witcher, the Airline=92s accounts manager and analyst for Europe is on the delegation.