Africa World Airlines has unveiled its first Embraer E190 aircraft in Accra as the Ghana based carrier begins a major fleet expansion aimed at increasing passenger capacity and strengthening air connectivity across Ghana and West Africa.

The 102 seat aircraft was officially unveiled at Accra International Airport as AWA outlined plans that could eventually expand its E190 fleet to 10 aircraft.

The new aircraft provides significantly more passenger capacity than the 50 seat ERJ 145 aircraft that have formed the backbone of AWA's operations.

AWA Chief Executive Officer Luolin Cui described the arrival as a new chapter for the airline and said the larger aircraft would support its ambition to expand regional operations.

NEW AIRCRAFT CARRIES 102 PASSENGERS

The Embraer E190 has been configured with 102 seats.

Fourteen seats are allocated to premium economy while the remaining 88 are economy seats.

The larger aircraft gives AWA more than twice the seating capacity available on its ERJ 145 regional jets.

That additional capacity could allow the airline to carry more passengers on high demand domestic services while supporting expansion across West Africa.

AWA PLANS LARGER E190 FLEET

The aircraft is expected to form part of a much broader expansion programme.

AWA says it plans to expand the fleet with additional E190 aircraft as it strengthens its domestic and regional network.

Industry reporting indicates the carrier could eventually operate as many as 10 E190s, with the pace of expansion dependent on the performance of the aircraft and development of its regional network.

The first aircraft arrived in Accra on September 19 after a ferry flight from China.

It is registered 9G FDA.

The aircraft was built in 2011 and previously operated with airlines in China before joining the Ghanaian carrier.

WEST AFRICAN EXPANSION IN FOCUS

The additional capacity is expected to support AWA's ambitions beyond Ghana.

The airline has been working to strengthen connections between Accra and major cities across West Africa.

AWA relaunched its Accra Abidjan service in July and has discussed further regional expansion.

Potential destinations previously identified by the carrier include Freetown, Monrovia, Conakry, Banjul and Dakar.

The larger E190 gives the airline greater capacity to serve such regional markets without moving to substantially larger aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320.

MORE THAN FIVE MILLION PASSENGERS CARRIED

AWA began flight operations in 2012.

The airline says it has since transported more than five million passengers.

Chief Executive Luolin Cui said 97 percent of the company's workforce is Ghanaian.

The arrival of the E190 comes as AWA marks 14 years of operations.

The airline has developed a significant presence in Ghana's domestic aviation market while also operating regional services.

GHANA AVIATION SECTOR FACES HIGH COSTS

The expansion comes despite significant challenges facing domestic airlines in Ghana.

Yvonne Botchey, Managing Director of the World Trade Centre Accra, speaking on behalf of AWA Founder and Executive Chairman Togbe Afede XIV, highlighted the high cost of operating airlines in the country.

She identified reliance on imported inputs, foreign exchange costs, customs duties, limited passenger numbers and airport operating hours among the challenges affecting airline operations.

According to the company, AWA paid its first dividend after 13 years of operations.

The government has recently announced measures including the waiver of duties on aircraft spare parts for domestic airlines.

TRANSPORT MINISTER CALLS FOR LOWER AIRFARES

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe used the unveiling to call on domestic airlines to ensure government measures aimed at reducing their operating costs ultimately benefit passengers.

He urged airlines to examine their fares following the government's decision to waive duties on aircraft spare parts.

The minister also outlined ongoing investments in Ghana's aviation infrastructure.

Plans include a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3 at Kotoka International Airport to make transfers between domestic, regional and international flights easier.

Airport infrastructure is also being developed in Bolgatanga, Wa and Sunyani, while the runway at Kumasi International Airport is being expanded to accommodate larger aircraft.

TOURISM SECTOR WELCOMES EXPANSION

Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie said stronger air connectivity could support tourism and cultural exchange across Ghana and the wider West African region.

Improved connections between African cities could reduce difficult travel routes that sometimes require passengers to make lengthy connections despite relatively short distances between destinations.

AWA's expansion could therefore have implications beyond the airline itself by increasing available seats and strengthening connections between Ghana and other West African markets.

The arrival of its first E190 represents the beginning of a significant transition for the carrier as it moves from a fleet centred on smaller regional jets towards larger aircraft capable of supporting increased passenger demand and a broader regional network.