British Airways’ first flight from London Gatwick to Accra touched down at Kotoka International Airport (ACC) on October 30th. The inaugural service received a warm West African welcome as it taxied to stand, with dancers, drummers and a VIP delegation, including the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, greeting customers as they stepped off the aircraft. Crew members arrived in their new uniform, designed by British-Ghanaian master tailor, Ozwald Boateng OBE.
British Airways is now operating three times a week from the Ghanaian capital to London Gatwick, giving travellers more choice of flight times and airports. Flights depart Accra at 21.20 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, landing into Gatwick at 04.00. A fourth weekly service will be added to the route timetable from April next year.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances said: “With 11 direct flights, across two London gateways, we’re pleased to offer our Ghanaian customers a greater choice of products and prices. Overall, we’re doubling the number of seats between Accra and London, with 55 per cent more capacity next summer versus 2019. We are always looking at routes and regions where there is potential for growth and Accra is one of those routes and Africa is one of those regions.”
To celebrate the increase in the number of flights between Africa and London, the airline is bringing Afrobeats to travellers, with an exclusive playlist available onboard from November 1. Global DJ sensation, Cuppy, has curated her top tracks for the airline’s inflight entertainment system bringing feel-good vibes right to customers’ seats.
British Airways’ first flight to Latvia touched at Riga Airport
Also, British Airways’ first flight in more than 15 years, from London Heathrow to Latvia touched down at Riga International Airport (RIX) on October 30th. The inaugural service received a warm local welcome as it taxied to stand, with traditional drummers greeting customers as they stepped off the aircraft.
This winter, British Airways will operate three times a week between its home at Heathrow (Terminal 5) and the Latvian capital, with flights departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Flights are operated by a mix of A320 and A321 aircraft. On board the 2 hours 50-minute flight, customers can enjoy the airline’s quintessentially British product and service, and Executive Club members can earn and redeem miles on their flights.
Neil Chernoff said: “We’re excited to further strengthen our connections between London and the Baltics and be back in Latvia after such a long time. Riga is a destination we know our customers will love, and we look forward to welcoming leisure and business travellers and those visiting family and friends on board the new service.”
Liene Freivalde, Riga Airport’s Director of Aviation Services and Business Development said: “British Airways has always been a hugely popular carrier in the Baltics, so this return is warmly welcomed. A direct connection to Heathrow Airport is a fantastic addition to Riga Airport’s network and we know it’s already been very positively received by corporate customers in particular. British Airways’ flight from Riga to Heathrow opens up more destinations globally, which is a significant benefit for Baltic passengers.”
British Airways is a global full-service airline that operates flights to more than 65 countries. British Airways customers have access to one of the world’s most extensive flight networks, both domestically and internationally, offering flights to and from central airports at convenient times and through its sustainability programme, BA Better World, the airline is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Tags: Liene Freivalde, Riga International Airport, Neil Chernoff, British Airways, London Gatwick, Kotoka International Airport, Ghana, Harriet Thompson