Virgin to challenge BA on Accra route
Published: 02/03/2010 - Filed under: News »
Virgin Atlantic is to launch a new service from London Heathrow to the Ghanaian capital of Accra later this year, in direct competition with rival carrier British Airways.
BA is at present the only airline on that route (although Ghana International Airlines flies to Accra from London Gatwick), which it serves using a B777. But that is set to change from May 24 when Virgin launches its planned thrice-weekly service.
“Virgin Atlantic’s new services will bring much needed competition onto this route, breaking BA’s virtual monopoly,” said Virgin’s CEO Steve Ridgway.
“Nearly 200,000 people fly between London and Accra each year and our new services will give them more choice and better value for money.”
The new route is still to get the governmental go-ahead, but once given, the route will be served by a 240-seat A340-300 (for the seatplan click here).
The new flight is expected to fly from Heathrow on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, leaving at 2230 and arriving in at Kotoka International Airport, Accra, at 0415 the following day.
The return flight will leave Accra at 1015 on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, arriving back in Heathrow at 1800 the same day.
Ridgway described Ghana as a “beacon for economic success”. Ghana will be the fourth African country in Virgin’s network, joining Lagos (Nigeria), Nairobi (Kenya) and South Africa (Cape Town and Johannesburg).
For more information visit virgin-atlantic.com.
Report by Andrew Gough
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COMMENTS »
nanaakua - 14/03/2010 00:25
please inform when your airline will start going to Ghana and also if there are going to be special offers.
thanks
Paragshah - 08/04/2010 06:44
By increasing the airlines services to and from Accra airport, passengers along this route can enjoy the benefits of cheap rates f tickets.
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