Gov’t opens bidding for strategic partners to launch new national airline

The Ghanaian government has officially launched a process to secure qualified investors for the establishment of a new national airline, the Ministry of Transport announced today.

The proposed carrier will be developed as a commercially viable, internationally competitive, and sustainable airline, based in Accra and designed to serve as a hub for regional and intercontinental connectivity, according to a press release signed by Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe.

Three-Round Selection Process

The government will conduct three rounds of interactions with prospective partners, culminating in the selection of a strategic partner. The Ministry is currently sounding the aviation market and has invited interested parties to begin engagement.

To be eligible, prospective strategic partners must be an existing airline, a subsidiary of an airline, or an entity or consortium duly authorised by an operating airline. They must also demonstrate expertise in airline operations, management, marketing, route planning, and network development.

Equity and Operational Requirements

Under the proposed joint venture, the strategic partner will hold the majority equity stake. The selected partner will be expected to operate:

· A Full-Service Carrier (FSC) for premium long-haul routes to Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and other identified destinations
· A Hybrid or Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) for regional routes to promote competitive fares and regional integration
· An integrated cargo unit to support trade and logistics
· Acquire, supply, and deploy operating equipment and fleet selection in the short term (no later than the first quarter of 2027), medium term, and long term

Submission Deadline

Interested parties must submit proposals via email or hard copy to the Task Force Secretariat at the Ministry of Transport no later than May 29, 2026.

The government noted that it reserves the right to accept or reject any request for inclusion and shall not be liable for its decision to include or exclude any prospective investor.

For further information, interested parties may contact Eric Tetteh-Addison via email at [email protected] or by phone at 0243277207.