PassionAir opens 2 new domestic routes to Wa and Ho
In Ghana, the domestic air transport market is dominated by Africa World Airlines (AWA). But just behind it, PassionAir is gradually gaining market share by positioning itself as the airline for the country's under-served regions.
Early next month, PassionAir will open two new domestic routes. In an announcement made on Monday 22 November, the Ghanaian private carrier said it will start three weekly flights (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) to Wa - north-western Ghana- from 3 December. The following day, it will launch two flights a week (Saturdays and Sundays) to the Ho hub in the south-east of the country, close to the border with Togo. All these corridors will be served from Accra.
Once the trips are effective, PassionAir will have a monopoly on the corridor leading to Ho. It should be recalled that since the completion of its construction in 2016, Ho Airport has yet to host any commercial flights.
Africa World Airlines made a "familiarisation flight" there on 15 April, and then nothing. On the route to Wa, however, PassionAir will compete with AWA, which has temporarily suspended the route. Currently, PassionAir offers scheduled and charter flights to Kumasi, Tamale and Takoradi. It faces competition from Africa World Airlines on all these routes.
Based at Accra's Kotoka International Airport, PassionAir launched its operations in 2018, promoting competition and lower fares in the Ghanaian domestic market. Since the demise of Starbow Airlines in 2017, AWA had a monopoly there. PassionAir has a fleet of 2 aircraft, a Dash 8-400 and a Dash 8-300.
