Accra, Dec. 13 GNA - Ghana is fast becoming the aviation hub of the West Africa Sub-Region in view of the recent developments in the air travelling industry, Minister of Aviation, Ms. Gloria Akuffo observed on Tuesday She said barely a month ago she inaugurated permanent offices for Virgin Nigeria Airways Limited and soon after the excess luggage service operations of World Express International in Ghana and was on Tuesday speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Delta Airlines first ever non-stop flight between Ghana and the United States of America.

Ms Akuffo appealed to the Management of the Airline to contribute their quota towards ensuring maximum security within the aviation industry saying; "we can only succeed in our quest to ensure security if we are able to court the support and cooperation of airline operators such as Delta Airlines Limited".

She urged the Airline to consider charging competitive rates as well as allowing increased baggage weight "so that air transportation will no longer be the preserve of the rich alone".

Ms Akuffo expressed the hope that its operations would be of mutual benefit to not only individual travellers and the Airline, but also forge improved relations between Ghana and the United States of America. Nii Adumansa-Baddoo, Acting Director General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), said the commencement of operations to Ghana by yet another US carrier was a demonstration of the confidence the international community had in Ghana's growing economy.

He said in a post September 11 2002 era where safety and security were most crucial, Delta Airlines operations into Ghana demonstrated the high capability of GCAA in the performance of its oversight responsibilities.

The Acting Director General said it was satisfying to note that Delta Airline ranked second among the world's top 10 airlines, recording a passenger; uplift of 84.1 million in 2003.

"This feat we believe can be sustained if Delta explores the vast potential of the Ghanaian market and introduces products that would be of great value and satisfaction to passengers on the Ghana - US route", he said.