United Airlines has celebrated the inauguration of its daily service between Accra and Washington D.C.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by a number of VIPs including U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Donald G. Teitelbaum, Minister of Transport ,. Mike Allen Hammah, Managing Director Ghana Airports Company Ltd. Doreen Owusu-Fianko, Vice President United Express and Airport Operations Planning Cynthia Szadokierski, and United’s Senior Vice President Alliances, International and Regulatory Affairs Mark Schwab.

Commenting at the inaugural, Mark Schwab said: “This new destination, a first for United in Africa, extends our international footprint and further strengthens our route network.

Our Washington Dulles hub will provide our customers with connections to over 90 cities across North America. Combined with the first-rate service we offer on board, this is a winning combination for travellers from Ghana and other parts of Africa.”
Mr Teitelbaum said: “Among the increasing connections between the United States and Ghana are the growing number of Ghanaians who travel to the U.S. every year. Almost 24,000 Ghanaians traveled to the United States in 2009. Just two years ago, the number was 20,000.”

Mrs. Owusu-Fianko, said: “the commencement of direct flights from Accra to Washington by United Airlines would immensely contribute to our aim of making the Kotoka International Airport an aviation hub as well as the gateway to West Africa.

A direct flight between Accra and Washington, a very prominent city greatly boosts the image of the Kotoka International Airport and Ghana as a whole. We are looking forward to the arrival of United Airlines and we would offer them our absolute support.”

United is operating a Boeing 767 aircraft on this service – configured with six United first Suite seats, 26 United Business seats and 151 United Economy class seats, including 71 Economy Plus seats.
United continues to roll out its multi-million dollar investment in new lie-flat first and business class seats on international flights, providing an enhanced level of comfort and convenience to passengers.

Source: B&FT