Accra, Dec. 16, GNA – The first of two CASA C295 Airbus aircraft recently acquired by the Ghana Air Force (GAF) arrived at the Air Force Base in Accra last Wednesday.

The 46-seater capacity aircraft can take 24 stretchers and a troop configuration of 72.

In addition, it can be used for a full range of tactical applications from special missions service and troop rotations to humanitarian and medical evacuation flights, maritime patrol duties and logistic support.

A statement issued in Accra on Friday by Colonel M’Bawine Atintande, Director of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces said the aircraft was flown in by Air Commodore Philip Ayisa and Wing Commander Frank Hanson, both of GAF, after they had undergone three months' training on the aircraft in Spain.

It said the aircraft was received by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Michael Samson-Oje, and the Sales Regional Director of Airbus Company, Spain, Mr Hernan Perez.

Receiving the aircraft on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Air Vice Marshall Samson-Oje commended the company for the timely delivery.

Mr Perez expressed appreciation for being associated with GAF and promised that the other aircraft would be delivered on schedule.

The statement said the aircraft would be officially inaugurated on Monday, December 19, at the Air Force Base in Accra.