UK based investment fund, Zotus Group and Ghanaian firm, Ashanti Airlines, collaborate to create pan-African aviation hub in Accra.
The Government of Ghana has confirmed it has awarded Ashanti Airlines , and its operational and financial Partners the Zotus Group the tender to operate the national carrier, Ghana Airlines, out of Accra commencing in 2023.
Ashanti Group was shortlisted among others through a competitive process and subsequently received Cabinet approval for the Strategic Partnership on 24th February 2022.
The airline will be officially known as Ghana Airlines.
Ghana Airlines, funded by UK-based investment fund Zotus Group will commence flights in 2023 with several domestic & regional routes with global and European routes, including London Heathrow and New York (USA) to follow shortly thereafter.
Ghanaian Minister for Transport, Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah was at the centre of the negotiations having formed a committee to oversee the tender process.
Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah stated, “the time has come to return Ghana to the aviation map. Learning from past experiences and following best practices within the aviation industry, it is best to collaborate with the private sector”.
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo and the United Kingdom Prime Minister’s Trade Envoys Lord Popat and Baroness Hoey supported the bid, at a high level, to create a new pan-African aviation hub.
The Zotus Group was co-founded by former England footballer Emile Heskey and Davison Simango who played a key part in securing the winning bid for the aviation contract. Heskey, who has been at the forefront of the Zotus Group provides a strong operational and finance partner for the airline having secured significant initial funding for the start-up.
Heskey will lead a credible Board of Directors along with aviation start-up supremo Hitesh Patel, business development expert Davison Simango and well-known Public Relations Director, Alex Rayner. The airline is currently recruiting for a number of C-suite roles to drive the airline forward.
Emile Heskey comments: “There is a lot of work on-going already to get the airline ready for start-up, we are in the market sourcing aircraft to start our operations with a significant focus on cargo and passenger manifest from the British Government. It is with this support we anticipate a successful business model from the outset.”
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For further information on Zotus Group, please contact Communications Director, Alex Rayner on alex@zotusgroup.com
