Founder of Africa World Airlines (AWA), Togbe Afede XIV, has celebrated the arrival of the airline’s first Embraer E190 aircraft, describing the development as a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to strengthen regional air connectivity across Africa.
The new aircraft forms part of AWA’s broader expansion plans as the airline seeks to increase its regional operations and advance its vision of “Touching Africa, touching the world.”
The arrival of the E190 comes shortly after the relaunch of the Accra–Abidjan–Accra route on August 31, 2026. According to Togbe Afede XIV, the aircraft is the first of several planes AWA plans to acquire over the next year as it expands its network and capacity across the region.
Togbe Afede XIV expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana, the Government of China, Hainan Airlines and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) for their support. He also thanked AWA’s customers, management, staff, pilots and engineers for their contribution to the airline’s growth.
He welcomed the government’s recent decision to grant import duty exemptions for domestic airlines, saying the measure could help ease some of the cost pressures confronting operators in Ghana’s aviation sector.
The AWA founder also expressed the airline’s readiness to support efforts toward the establishment of a national carrier for Ghana, noting the importance of a strong aviation industry to the country’s economic development and regional connectivity.
Togbe Afede XIV, however, acknowledged the significant challenges confronting domestic and regional aviation. These include the high cost of imported aviation inputs, foreign-exchange pressures, limited passenger numbers and restricted airport operating hours.
He said these factors continue to push up operating costs and make it difficult for airlines to establish and sustain direct connections between several African countries.
Despite the challenges, Togbe Afede XIV said AWA had remained resilient and continued to pursue its long-term objectives.
He noted that the airline recently recorded its first dividend after thirteen years of operations, describing the achievement as an indication of the company’s progress and resilience.
Togbe Afede XIV assured customers, partners and other stakeholders that AWA would remain committed to supporting the growth of Ghana’s aviation sector and contributing to stronger connections across Africa.
He called for continued support from customers, partners and stakeholders as the airline works to expand its operations and fulfil its vision of “Touching Africa, touching the world.”
The arrival of the E190 represents a new phase in AWA’s expansion strategy, with the airline positioning increased aircraft capacity and expanded regional routes as key components of its efforts to improve connectivity between Ghana and other African markets.
