Accra, June 24, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday said his administration would review a proposal submitted by the management of Arik Air Limited of Nigeria, soliciting Government's assistance to revive Ghana Airways.

He pointed out that air transportation was important feature for mobility in the modern business world, but many countries in Africa did not have their own airlines and had attracted very high costs from using foreign airlines.

President Mills said the motive of the management to improve air transportation was a step in the right direction, adding that he was impressed with its services during a flight on its airline. In a chat with a delegation from Arik Air Limited, led by its Chairman, Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, President Mills noted that the private sector had what it took to make the aviation sector work.

Sir Joseph and his delegation paid a courtesy call on President Mills at the Osu Castle, in Accra, at which they launched an appeal for support from Government of Ghana to revive Ghana Airways.

The company is in air travel, energy and agriculture. President Mills expressed concern over problems associated with air travels such as cancellation or delayed flights which left most air travellers stranded. He described the initiative of the management as a good beginning, and pledged government's commitment to create congenial atmosphere for the growth of business.

Sir Joseph drew on the links between English speaking West African countries of Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Gambia and Sierra Leone, and called for improved air transportation among these countries. He said management was able to acquire buildings of Nigeria Airways, when the airline went down.

In addition it managed to pay some of the debts of Nigerian Airways, trained pilots and flight attendants as well as other services of the airline industry. Sir Joseph said management undertook 150 flights daily in Nigeria, adding "We want to assist to revive Ghana Airways. We need the cooperation of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)".