Africa World Airlines (AWA) will begin Lagos and Abuja flights next month as they work on securing permits for other regional destinations in 2014.

The airline will start its maiden flight to Lagos on December 2, 2013 followed by the Abuja destination two weeks later.

There will be two flights daily to Lagos from December 2, followed by a yet-to-be determined flight schedule to Abuja.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the start of their regional flights at the Golden Tulip Hotel on Wednesday, Co-Founder of AWA, Togbe Afede XIV said the Lagos and Abuja destinations are crucial for the airline's plan to get a substantial share of the sub-regional market.

"It is very important for us to have Nigeria given the size of that market. Nigeria is about half the population of West Africa, so half of the business is in Nigeria", said Togbe Afede.

He also revealed that the airline is working on securing a permit to fly to destinations within Nigeria.

"We will be happy to fly from Lagos to Kano, but then we need a local permit. But these are all part of our plan", he said.

He however indicated the airlines intentions goes beyond flying to destinations within the sub-region or even Africa.

AWA plans on flying to Brazil next year during the 2014 World Cup tournament.

Ellis Hugh-Tamakloe, Monitoring and Evaluation Director at the Ministry of Transport commended AWA for their efforts and promised the Ministry's support when the need arise.

He however cautioned AWA to apply prudent managerial skills that will ensure that their entry into the regional market can be sustainable.

Africa World Airlines currently has 11% of the Ghanaian market share.