Government invites strategic partners for establishment of new national airline

The government has begun engaging qualified investors as part of plans to establish a new national airline, the Ministry of Transport has announced.

In a statement issued on April 28, the Ministry said the proposed airline will be built as a commercially viable, competitive, and sustainable carrier, with Accra serving as its hub for both regional and international routes.

The selection process will involve three stages of engagement with potential partners, ultimately leading to the appointment of a strategic investor.

As part of the initial phase, the Ministry is conducting market sounding and has invited interested aviation partners to begin discussions with the Government of Ghana.

It noted that eligible partners must include an already operational airline, its subsidiary, or a consortium authorised by an airline. They must also demonstrate expertise in airline operations, management, marketing, route planning, and network development.

Under the proposed structure, the strategic partner will hold a majority stake in the joint venture that will operate the airline.

The chosen partner will be expected to run a full-service carrier for long-haul routes to destinations such as Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia, while also operating a hybrid or low-cost carrier for regional travel to improve affordability and connectivity. In addition, the partner will establish a cargo division to support trade and logistics and oversee fleet acquisition and deployment across short-, medium-, and long-term timelines, with initial operations targeted by the first quarter of 2027.

Interested parties have until May 29, 2026, to submit their proposals either electronically or in hard copy to the Ministry’s Task Force Secretariat.

The Ministry noted that the government reserves the right to accept or reject any application without liability.

The statement was signed by Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe, with further enquiries directed to the task force through official contact channels.