The maiden Accra to Monrovia flight by indigenous carrier Africa World Airlines (AWA) touched down on Wednesday, December 13, at about 1:50 GMT in Liberia’s capital, Monrovia.

The extension of the airline is part of the long-term aim by the airline to connect the sub-region in the shortest possible time.

According to Co-chairman of the AWA, Togbe Afede XIV, extending services to Liberia is to promote economic development through regional integration.        

“Africa’s development can be summed in one word: transportation,” he said.

According to him, African economies stand to gain more through regional integration as the various economies presented a huge market for business transactions.

Speaking at Hotel Flamingo in Monrovia Togbe Afede XIV reiterated the need for African nations to open up their airspaces to promote air transport on the continent.

Liberia’s Finance Minister, Boima Kamara, also expressed his government’s commitment to providing the enabling environment for investments to thrive for the benefit of both economies.

On his part, the Deputy Minister for Aviation, Kwabena Otchere Darko Mensah, indicated that the ministry was pleased with the new partnership.

"This ties in with government vision of supporting local airlines to form strong partnerships and hence strong local Airlines,” he added.

The introduction of this new route was good news for customers who said the price is really good. 

"I believe AWA can compete effectively with all the other big airlines that come here,” the first passenger to have booked a flight on the carrier said.

In Ghana, Africa World Airlines operates routes to four regional capital, Accra, Takoradi, Kumasi and Tamale.

Currently, it also operates daily flights to two big cities in the subregion; Lagos and Abuja, and now flies three times from Accra to Monrovia on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.