Etihad Airways and Africa World Airlines (AWA) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at expanding air connectivity between West Africa and the rest of the world through enhanced passenger travel, cargo services and customer loyalty programmes.
The two airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Accra to establish a framework for cooperation in interline and codeshare services, cargo operations and frequent flyer programmes.
The partnership will enable travellers to enjoy seamless connections between the airlines’ networks once the agreement is fully implemented. Passengers flying with Etihad Airways will be able to book a single ticket from Abu Dhabi to destinations across Ghana and West Africa served by Africa World Airlines via Accra. Likewise, AWA customers will gain easier access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s global network of 118 destinations.
Beyond passenger travel, the agreement is expected to strengthen cargo operations by linking exporters in Ghana and the wider West African region to Etihad Cargo’s international network, creating new opportunities for trade and logistics.
The airlines also plan to integrate aspects of their loyalty programmes, allowing members to earn and redeem rewards across both carriers.
The agreement comes at a time of growing economic and diplomatic ties between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates, with trade, investment and travel between the two countries continuing to increase.
The partnership takes effect from July 24, 2026, with implementation of the various areas of cooperation to be carried out in phases. It also supports Etihad Airways’ plans to commence direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Accra on March 24, 2027.
Passengers will be able to purchase combined itineraries as soon as the interline arrangement becomes operational.
The Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways, Arik De, said Ghana had emerged as one of West Africa’s most vibrant aviation markets, making Africa World Airlines the ideal partner for the airline’s expansion strategy in the region.
He said the collaboration would strengthen passenger services, cargo operations and loyalty programmes while providing Ghanaian travellers and businesses with improved access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s extensive international network.
“We are here to grow with Ghana,” he said.
The Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines, Sohail Mahmood, said the airline had spent more than a decade connecting Ghana with major cities including Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou.
He noted that the partnership would provide AWA customers with seamless access to Abu Dhabi and destinations across Etihad’s worldwide network, while creating additional opportunities for cargo movement and international commerce.
According to him, the agreement represents an important milestone in strengthening Ghana’s position as a regional aviation hub and improving connectivity for both business and leisure travellers.
The two airlines said details of the interline, codeshare, cargo and loyalty arrangements would be announced progressively as each component of the partnership is implemented.
Source: businesspostonline
