Rédaction Africa Links 24 with News Desk
Published on 2024-03-25 08:43:12
Goldstar Air, a wholly-owned Ghanaian airline, is gearing up to enhance cargo movement across the continent under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative. The AfCFTA, established in 2018 with 54 parties and one signatory, aims to create a single market for the continent, connecting 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$3.4 trillion. This initiative is part of the African Union’s “The Africa We Want” Agenda 2063 and trading commenced under AfCFTA on January 1, 2021.
With more than 52 billion tonnes of cargo shipped by air each year, there is a constant demand for industry jobs. Goldstar Air’s vision as an indigenous airline extends to operating over one hundred aircraft and generating sustainable job opportunities for Ghanaians to connect African businesses and capitalize on the opportunities presented by AfCFTA, which includes a staggering 44 million Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.
The Africa Continental Free Trade Area aims to eliminate trade barriers and represents a golden opportunity for Africa to assert itself in the global economy. To take advantage of this, Goldstar Air has introduced Afrik Allianz, a multimodel single air transportation alliance connecting Africa and beyond.
CEO Eric Bannerman of Goldstar Air is currently negotiating with the head of Ghana Post for a partnership to provide innovative and rewarding opportunities for advancement. This collaboration aims to make both parties more competitive and offer better services to customers, leading to a win-win situation.
By affiliating with Ghana Post, Goldstar Air hopes to emulate the strategic success of the United States Postal Service, a major employer in the US with significant revenue. Together, the airline and Ghana Post seek to create, build, and take ownership of their endeavors, offering services such as pickup and delivery services directly to Ghana Post outlets.
The airline’s focus on cargo is evident, with forecasts predicting significant growth in cargo revenues. Goldstar Air will prioritize Ghana Post cargo to ensure a seamless experience for customers, focusing on growing businesses and driving growth year-over-year.
Goldstar Air’s round-the-clock service will support customers globally through various communication channels while investing in its fleet to meet changing needs. Tamale International Airport will serve as a hub for the airline’s cargo, maintenance, and training facilities, with plans to operate international flights to and from the Sahel region and Hajj flights.
The airline will also prioritize the transportation of perishable goods by air from Tamale International Airport, ensuring appropriate packaging and handling for fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. Initial flight operations will include destinations in Europe and North America from Kumasi and Accra International Airports.
In conclusion, Goldstar Air’s initiatives align with the goals of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, focusing on enhancing cargo movement, creating job opportunities, and providing innovative and efficient services for customers. With a strategic partnership with Ghana Post and a strong focus on cargo operations, the airline is poised to make a significant impact on the African aviation industry.
