Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Africa World Airlines (AWA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at expanding passenger and cargo connectivity between Ghana, West Africa and the rest of the world.
The agreement covers codeshare and interline services, cargo cooperation and frequent flyer programmes.
A statement issued after the signing ceremony in Accra said, the MoU provides a framework for the two airlines to integrate their networks.
Under the arrangement, Etihad passengers will be able to travel on a single ticket beyond Accra to destinations served by AWA across Ghana and West Africa, while AWA passengers will gain access to Abu Dhabi and onward connections to Etihad’s global network of 118 destinations.
The statement said the partnership would also extend to cargo operations, enabling exporters in Ghana and the wider West African region to benefit from Etihad Cargo’s international network.
It said the collaboration would further include cooperation on loyalty programmes, providing members of both airlines with additional opportunities to earn and redeem rewards.
According to the statement, the partnership comes at a time when Ghana and the United Arab Emirates are strengthening trade, investment and bilateral relations, resulting in growing travel demand between Accra and the UAE.
The MoU took effect on July 24, 2026, with the various areas of cooperation expected to be implemented in phases.
The agreement also lays the foundation for Etihad Airways’ direct Abu Dhabi-Accra service, scheduled to commence on March 24, 2027.
Combined journeys will be made available for sale once the interline agreement becomes operational.
Mr Arik De, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways, described Ghana as one of West Africa’s most vibrant aviation markets and said Africa World Airlines was the ideal partner for the airline’s expansion strategy.
“This framework spans passenger services, cargo and loyalty, and it will connect Ghanaian travellers and businesses to Abu Dhabi and to our network across the world’s fastest-growing markets. We are here to grow with Ghana,” he said.
Mr Sohail Mahmood, Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines, said the airline had connected Ghana and the West African sub-region for more than a decade through destinations including Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou.
He said the partnership with Etihad Airways would provide customers with seamless access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s extensive global network while creating new opportunities for Ghanaian travellers and international businesses.
The statement said further details on the interline, codeshare, cargo and loyalty arrangements would be announced as each phase of the partnership is implemented.
