GIA On Way To Recovery

Ghana International Airlines (GIA) has expressed its determination to consolidate the good image and reputation won over the last four years, and build up stronger and a more efficiency in its operations to achieve efficient operations and compete favourably with renowned airlines, especially those plying on the same routes, has started in earnest, and was yielding positive results. At a forum in London, the Airline�s Sales and Marketing Manager, Mr. Titus Sowatei Adjei, outlined the successes chalked so far, and indicated, �the airline has positive prospects.� He said, �we are working hard to justify the need for travellers to use our airline, especially Ghanaians. We do not want Ghanaians to use the airline simply because it is a Ghanaian airline. There is the need to give Ghanaians good reasons to use GIA, and we have proved that.� Mr. Adjei explained that the facilities and services on the Ghana International Airline were simply comparable to any other airline plying on the Ghanaian�European routes, where the airline carries out its operations. �We will want to believe that Ghanaians have to patronise Ghanaian goods and services �we are proving ourselves as one of the best airlines on the routes, if not the best.� He said the airline had over the last two years never cancelled a flight, while others do or have done once or twice. �For the third time running, the airline has been voted the best, in terms of punctuality at the Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom, which means the airline has always been consistent and on time.� On board services, he noted, were unquestionable, even though the management had plans to make it more attractive than it was now. He said the opening of a new route to D�sseldorf in Germany, had added another constructive dimension to the operations of the airline, adding, �it is not only broadening its operations, but more importantly, it is boosting travel plans of the numerous passengers of the airline.� The Sales and Marketing Manager announced that the airline had bus services from D�sseldorf to other parts of Europe, like Hamburg and Amsterdam, to facilitate journeys from these areas to Accra, by travelling on the airline. He said the GIA also had agreements with other European Airlines, in the carrying of passengers to other destinations it does not regularly operate. Participants at the forum urged Ghanaians to patronise the airline, since it provides similar services and facilities as other airlines. A Ghanaian, residing in Bolton in the UK, Madam Agnes Nsiah, said she was always surprised when Ghanaians, especially government officials, used other airlines rather than the GIA, on routes that the airline operates, and said this was a form of unpatriotism. She explained, �if the airline was not good in terms of punctuality and services, then one would understand, but not when the services are super.� Madam Nsiah, an Economist, indicated that very few people, and under very real circumstances, will you see someone using an airline of another country rather than his home country�s. She said it stands to simple reason that citizens would have to contribute in any form possible to help build their nations, and this was one form in which Ghanaians could help. She observed that Europeans and other nationals understand this very well, and therefore patronise their national airlines and other services everywhere in the world. She therefore urged Ghanaians to help the GIA become an airline that would befit Ghana, by patronising it. The Managing Director of Cribb and Sons Funeral Directors, a UK-based funeral company with a branch in Ghana, Mr. John Harris, noted that since he started business in Ghana, he has never travelled on any airline apart from the GIA, adding that the facilities and services of the GIA are equally good. Mr. Harris later donated �5,000 towards the construction of a Ghanaian Community Centre in London.