Accra, May 26, GNA - Mr Mike Hammah, Minister of Transport, has said that the implementation of the "Open Skies Policy" in Ghana had led to a steady growth within the aviation industry in recent years. "Today, Ghana's Aviation Industry stands out as one of the fastest growing and most competitive in the sub-region. The number of commercial and cargo carriers plying in and out of Ghana has almost doubled from 15 at the turn of the millennium to 28 currently."

Mr Hammah said this at a press conference in Accra to mark the inaugural flight of Virgin Atlantic Airways, between London and Accra on Monday. "The commencement of operations by Virgin Atlantic to Ghana, is a further demonstration of the confidence that the international community has in Ghana's growing economy, which has been given a further boost by the oil and gas find in the Western part of the country," he said. He said the oil find was expected to increase the demand for air travel and implored all in the aviation industry, to be ready to provide the desired services to meet the expected demand.

The Minister observed that the phenomenal growth experienced within the aviation industry in recent years, was also largely the result of the stable political, social and economic climate the country was enjoying. "The Kotoka International Airport and some of our regional airports would continue to undergo systematic face-lift through infrastructure rehabilitation, and the installation of new communication, navigation and surveillance equipment, in addition to terminal building extension and improvement," he said.

Mr Hammah assured Virgin Atlantic of the full support of the Ministry of Transport, in their operations in the country.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, said Ghana had one of West Africa's most vibrant and diverse economies and Virgin Atlantic flights would further help Ghana's leading position within West Africa, by making it more accessible to passengers.

"We would increase seat availability by 35 per cent and over the course of the year, expect to fly over 60,000 passengers, all of whom would benefit from more choice, competitive fares and value for money," he said. The flights would not only allow more people to travel directly between London and Ghana, but Ghanaians would also benefit from onward connections to New York and many other places on Virgin Atlantic's network, said Sir Branson. Founded 25 years ago, Virgin Atlantic Airways has become Britain's second largest airline, serving the world's major cities.