AWA credits government duty exemption as it welcomes new E190 aircraft

Africa World Airlines (AWA) has welcomed its first E190 aircraft, with the airline’s Founder, Togbe Afede XIV, thanking the government for the import duty exemptions recently announced for domestic airlines.

The new aircraft forms part of AWA’s plans to expand its operations across Africa and strengthen connectivity between the continent and the rest of the world.

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In a speech delivered on his behalf by Yvonne Botchwey, Managing Director of the World Trade Centre, Accra, at the arrival of the aircraft on Saturday, September 19, 2026, Togbe Afede XIV said the government’s support would help the airline expand its operations.

“We are particularly grateful to His Excellency President John Mahama for the import duty exemptions he announced recently for domestic airlines,” he said.

He said AWA was ready to support the government’s plans for the transport sector, including efforts to establish a national carrier.

“We at AWA are committed to supporting his vision for the transport sector, and I am happy to be able to say that our experience has prepared us to partner the government in the establishment of the National Carrier,” he added.



The E190 is the first of several aircraft AWA plans to acquire over the next year as the airline seeks to expand its operations.

Togbe Afede XIV said the airline’s recent return to the Accra-Abidjan route was another step towards achieving its broader objective.

“Less than two months ago, on the 31st of August, we relaunched our Accra-Abidjan-Accra route. Today’s event is the next step in our journey towards the fulfilment of our mission to connect all of Africa, and to link Africa to the world,” he said.

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He said the airline’s name reflected its ambition to operate beyond Ghana’s domestic market.

“Our name is the first clue that Africa World does not intend to restrict itself to domestic operations. And our new E190 is the first of several that we intend to acquire over the next one year to aid the fulfilment of our vision of supporting the development of Africa,” he stressed.



MAG/MA