Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Ghana-based Africa World Airlines (AWA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing passenger travel, cargo operations and customer loyalty programmes.
The agreement, signed in Accra, will see the two airlines integrate their networks through codeshare and interline services. Once implemented, Etihad passengers will be able to book a single ticket from Abu Dhabi to destinations across Ghana and West Africa served by Africa World Airlines. Similarly, AWA customers will enjoy seamless access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s global network of 118 destinations.
The partnership also seeks to strengthen cargo operations by connecting exporters in Ghana and the wider West African region to Etihad Cargo’s international network, creating new opportunities for trade and market access. In addition, both airlines plan to collaborate on their frequent flyer programmes, enabling members to earn and redeem rewards across each other’s networks.
The agreement comes amid growing trade, investment and diplomatic relations between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates, as well as increasing demand for air travel between Accra and Abu Dhabi. According to both airlines, the partnership will deepen commercial ties between the two countries while improving connectivity for passengers and businesses.
The Memorandum of Understanding took effect on July 24, 2026, with the various areas of cooperation to be introduced in phases. It also supports Etihad Airways’ planned Abu Dhabi–Accra route, which is scheduled to commence on March 24, 2027. Combined itineraries will become available once the interline agreement is fully operational.
Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, Arik De, described Ghana as one of West Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets and said Africa World Airlines was the ideal partner to strengthen links between Ghana, Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s rapidly expanding global network.
Africa World Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, Sohail Mahmood, noted that AWA has connected Ghana and West Africa for more than a decade through destinations including Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou. He said the partnership would provide customers with direct access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s extensive international network while creating new opportunities for Ghanaian travellers and businesses.
Officials from both airlines indicated that additional details regarding the rollout of the interline, codeshare, cargo and loyalty programmes will be announced as each phase of the partnership is implemented.
Source: citinews
