Goldstar Air

Goldstar Air
IATA ICAO Callsign
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Founded 2014
Hubs Kotoka International Airport (Accra)
Fleet size 3
Company slogan Wings of Ghana
Key people Eric Bannerman, CEO
Website flygoldstar.com

Goldstar Air is an upcoming Ghanaian airline based at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Using three Boeing aircraft, it plans to launch flights to both regional and long-haul destinations such as Baltimore and London. As of December 2016, the airline is still undergoing certification from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and plans to launch operations by the third quarter of 2016.

History

Goldstar Air was founded in 2014 as Goldstar Airlines. It planned to begin operations on 13 June 2014 with twice-weekly flights to Baltimore and London–Gatwick, followed by Guangzhou and Natal.[1] The airline would use MD-11 and Boeing 747 aircraft. However, the launch date was postponed to late July 2014[2] before being indefinitely postponed, as the airline was still awaiting certification from the GCAA.[3]

Goldstar Air has experienced delays in receiving certification from the GCAA. In September 2014, it appealed to President John Dramani Mahama for help, as the GCAA had still not inspected the airline's aircraft and facilities in the United States.[4] In July 2015, Goldstar Air threatened to stage a protest in Accra against the GCAA, after it allowed South African Airways to operate the same route Goldstar Air had applied for (Accra to Washington, D.C.).[5] However, the protest was avoided when Minister for Transport Dzifa Ativor ordered the GCAA to inspect Goldstar Air's aircraft.[6]

In January 2016, the airline announced it would begin a training programme for flight attendants. Goldstar Air will employ local Ghanaian flight attendants but will initially employ expatriates for the cockpit crew.[7] In June 2016, Goldstar Air said it was working on obtaining its Air Carrier Licence, after which it would receive its air operator's certificate and commence operations by the third quarter of the year.[8] The airline has secured incentives from Baltimore Airport authorities in preparation for Goldstar Air's planned flights to the airport.[9] Goldstar Air later revealed that it would use the Diamond Hangar FBO at London Stansted Airport as a maintenance facility and employee training school.[10]

In August 2016, Goldstar Air announced that it had purchased three aircraft from Boeing, which need to be inspected by the GCAA.[11] CEO Eric Bannerman stated in November 2016 that the airline plans to launch operations in February or March 2017, starting with flights to Baltimore.[12]

Destinations

The airline plans to launch flights between Accra and Baltimore in February or March 2017. Other destinations under consideration include London and various West African cities.[12]

Fleet

Goldstar Air will operate two Boeing 737-300s and three Boeing 767-300s.[12]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Ghanaian start-up, Goldstar, to tap intercontinental market". Ch-aviation. 9 May 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  2. ↑ Addo, Charles (11 June 2014). "Goldstar Airlines postpone flights to various destinations". GhanaWeb. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  3. ↑ "Profile on Goldstar Airlines". CAPA - Centre for Aviation. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  4. ↑ "Ghana's Goldstar Airlines appeals for presidential intervention". Ch-aviation. 24 September 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  5. ↑ "Goldstar Airlines to stage massive protest against GCAA". GhanaWeb. 13 July 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  6. ↑ "Minister orders GCAA to inspect Goldstar Airlines aircraft after impasse". GhanaWeb. 3 August 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  7. ↑ "Goldstar Airlines prepares to train cabin crew". Ghana News Agency. 3 January 2016. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  8. ↑ Eduku, Pius (29 June 2016). "Goldstar Air to begin operations by 2016 third quarter". citibusinessnews. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  9. ↑ "Goldstar Air to brief the press on company's operations". GhanaWeb. 27 June 2016. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  10. ↑ Ansah, Kobina (14 July 2016). "Goldstar Air to use Diamond Hanger at London Stansted Airport". GhanaWeb. Retrieved 20 July 2016.
  11. ↑ "Goldstar Air purchases three aircrafts". GhanaWeb. 2 August 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  12. 1 2 3 Dron, Alan (7 November 2016). "New African airline sets sights on Baltimore". Air Transport World. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
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