Namibia’s national airliner, Air Namibia has extended its market coverage on the continent to Ghana with the launch of its inaugural flight from Accra to Windhoek Sunday night. Serving domestic points within Namibia, the immediate regional markets of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia, and Botswana, Ghana officially thus becomes the first route in West Africa for the Southern African airliner. The new route is aimed at providing travelers with the comfort they need to do business on the continent as well as promote Namibia as a business and leisure market. It is also to provide seamless connections for passengers travelling to various destinations in southern African or connecting to choice destinations in Europe without the usual flight delays. Passengers who fly the airline effective October 1 2011 have stand the chance of winning a trip for two to Mauritius worth 10,000 dollars complete with accommodation, breakfast and dinner as well as shuttle services to tourist sites. Sunday’s inaugural flight had some 72 passengers on board, 62 of them in economy class and 10 in the business class, a number airline operators hope to see increase with time. According to airline officials, visa restrictions have been removed and travel time has also been shortened by one and half hours with only 15 minutes connecting time. In an interview with Multi TV’s Adwoa Dansowaa Awuku, the airline officials explained that the extension of operations to Ghana was based on the economic potentials, the traffic flow from West to South Africa and then onward to Europe and the US as well as the political stability in the country. “We considered the wishes and ideals of our leaders that intra- Africa travel should be guaranteed” said General Manager for Commercial Services at Air Namibia Xavier Masule. On lessons Ghana can learn from Namibia to revive its national airline, Xavier Masule pointed out three main areas which he said needed to be addressed to ensure a successful airline. He said corporate governance, understanding the role of the airline and its mandate are key to maintaining a national airline. He added that Ghana’s geographical location makes it a strategic point for air travel and given good management, a national airline should do well in the country. The Airline is increasing its fleet of aircraft having taken delivery of 5 this year. The latest acquisition is an Airbus 319 with two more expected by close of year. Ghana’s High Commissioner to Namibia Major General (Rtd) S. A Odotei urged Ghana to follow up on the interest expressed in its fabrics by Namibia by also tapping into important sectors of their economy such as fisheries, livestock and other marine resources. Air Namibia now departs Accra six times a week with the exception of Saturdays.