Ghana to Become Aviation Hub of W/Africa - Lufthansa MD

The Managing Director (MD) of Lufthansa, West Africa, Mr. Mike Kahn has said Ghana would become the aviation hub of West Africa if Ghana's new airline, Ghana International Airlines (GIA) was very strong on both the domestic and regional routes.

The MD said this at a press conference in Accra last Thursday in celebration of its 50th year in operations in the world.

The MD said they would support Ghana International Airline (GIA) to stand in order to fulfil the country's aim.

He described the policy of the country to implement an open sky policy as a thing in the right direction.

On the contribution of the airline to world wide performance, Mr. Mike Kahn said although West Africa's contribution to Lufthansa German Airlines' is small, it forms an integral part of the success of the airline since it was established 50 years ago.

He however said Africa, and for that matter, West Africa is a growing market and would continue to improve services to the area until its potentials have been reached.

Narrating the history of Lufthansa in Ghana, Mr. Kahn said Lufthansa came into Ghana some 43 years ago and it is currently the number four airline in West Africa.

He disclosed that the airline is developing the oil industry in West Africa through the formation of oil and energy clubs and they operate in 770 airports through the Star Alliance association.

Mr. Mangera, the country director said from two flights a week in 2000, Lufthansa now flies daily from Accra. He said the A330 aircraft has modern equipment, including access to broadband internet connectivity through "Fly Net." Other programmes introduced to the benefit of customers are Partner Plus which benefits traders.

Mr. Mangera noted that the SMS programme where customers are noted of flight changes would be introduced next year.

On his part, the Lufthansa Press Officer, Thomas Preint said the success of the airline was due to the strong sense of German values they adhere to and the innovation culture of the airline.

He said they make traveling smooth and connect in just 30 minutes. "The airline offers all sorts of segments of the economy."

On their social responsibility to Ghana, Lufthansa supports the SOS Children's Home.