The launch of SAA’s inaugural flight between Accra, Ghana, and Washington DC in North America on August 2 is the first of several routes planned for the region, forming part of the airline’s strategy to strengthen its presence in West Africa.

Kendy Phohleli, SAA’s Executive of African Hub Projects, told Tourism Update on the sidelines of the launch event, which was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra at the weekend, that the Accra to Washington flight, on which SAA has fifth freedom rights to offload and pick up passengers, was a pilot project – a foothold in West Africa from which SAA could open up travel between the underserved region and North America. The airline is also looking at launching flights between Accra and Toronto, Canada.

SAA has established a commercial co-operation agreement with Ghanaian domestic carrier, Africa World Airlines (AWA), which will offer customers further connections into West Africa, including Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale in Ghana as well as to Lagos, Nigeria.

The Accra-Washington route will be served by A340-600s on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, featuring 42 lie-flat seats in business class and 275 seats in economy class.