Some frequent travellers to the United States of America (USA) have welcomed the competition introduced by South Africa Airways (SAA) on the Accra/USA route, describing it as timely and necessary.
According to them, the opportunity will not only impact the fares but also ensure that those travelling direct to destinations such as Washington will be saved some time because they will not have to transit through JFK in New York.
Mr Stephen Abbiew, a management consultant, said: “This is good news and I commend South Africa Airways for that idea.”
He said normally, passengers were taken through new travel processes at JFK as per the regulations, adding that: “Much as this is necessary and unavoidable, because of the security measures put in place by the USA security for the safety of passengers, it is time-consuming.”
Mrs Serwaa Ababio, a businesswoman with dual citizenship, for her part, said: “Once we have an airline which will be flying direct, out travel time will be cut short and I guess all those who fly direct to do business in Washington will be happy,” he added.
Direct flight
SAA will from August 2, 2015, commence its direct flights from Accra to Washington DC.
According to the airline’s Executive Africa Hub Projects Manager, Kendy Phohleli, the decision was based on sound business principles as there was demand for passengers wanting to fly from Ghana to the United States directly.
According to the airline’s Executive Africa Hub Projects Manager, Kendy Phohleli, the decision was based on sound business principles as there was demand for passengers wanting to fly from Ghana to the United States directly.
The route will be served by A340-600s featuring 42 full-flat 180 beds in premium business class and 275 seats in economy class.
Travellers will be able to experience four star Skytrax rated airline service to North America which offers world-class quality product and service standards.
At a press briefing in Accra a couple of weeks ago, Mr Phohleli indicated that the direct flight between Ghana and Washington was to aid existing trade relations and further strengthen Ghana’s robust economic outlook.
Strategic partnership
South African Airways has formed a partnership with domestic carrier, Africa World Airlines, to offer customers more travel options within the West African sub-region.
The partnership will offer customers of South African Airways from Washington to Johannesburg, a seamless connectivity via Accra to other destinations in Ghana such as Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale as well as Lagos in Nigeria.
SAA is also poised by this move to offer convenient connections to and from over 50 markets in the United States and Canada through its airline partners; United Airlines, Jetblue Airways and Virgin America.
Source: raphic.com.gh
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