Etihad Airways and Ghana’s Africa World Airlines (AWA) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at improving passenger travel, cargo transportation and customer loyalty services between West Africa and the rest of the world.
The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the capital city of Ghana, Accra, creating a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two carriers.
The arrangement will introduce codeshare and interline services, enabling travellers to connect more conveniently across both airline networks.
Under the planned agreement, passengers flying with Etihad will be able to continue their journeys from Accra to several destinations within Ghana and neighbouring West African countries on a single booking through Africa World Airlines.
In return, AWA customers will enjoy easier connections from Abu Dhabi to Etihad’s international network, which serves 118 destinations worldwide.
The alliance will also enhance air freight services by giving exporters in Ghana and across West Africa access to Etihad Cargo’s extensive logistics network.
In addition, both airlines intend to integrate their frequent flyer programmes, allowing travellers to accumulate and redeem loyalty rewards across either carrier.
According to the airlines, the partnership reflects the strengthening economic and diplomatic relationship between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates, while responding to rising passenger demand between Accra and Abu Dhabi.
The MoU became effective on July 24, 2026, with the different components of the partnership expected to be introduced gradually.
The agreement also supports Etihad Airways’ planned direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Accra, scheduled to begin on March 24, 2027.
Joint ticket sales are expected to commence after the interline arrangement is fully operational.
Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, Arik De, described Ghana as a rapidly expanding aviation market and said the collaboration would create stronger links for travellers and businesses between West Africa, Abu Dhabi and destinations across Etihad’s global network.
Africa World Airlines Chief Operating Officer, Sohail Mahmood, noted that the Ghanaian carrier has spent more than a decade connecting key cities in Ghana and neighbouring countries, including Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou.
He added that the partnership would provide customers with broader international travel options while opening new opportunities for trade and commerce.
The two airlines indicated that additional information regarding their passenger services, cargo cooperation, codeshare operations and loyalty programme integration will be released as each stage of the partnership is introduced.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong