Aviation Analyst Debunks Claims of Direct London-Kumasi Commercial Flight
Aviation analyst and former Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines, Sean Mendes, has clarified that the widely circulated reports of a direct London-Kumasi flight are misleading, asserting that the flight, scheduled for December 3, 2024, is rather a charter service and not the launch of a commercial standard route as previously reported.
The announcement of a direct flight service between London Gatwick Airport and Kumasi International Airport, reportedly operated by Ethiopian Airlines, sparked significant public interest and debate.
However, checks on Ethiopian Airlines’ website revealed no evidence of a regular scheduled service on this route.
Mr Mendes speaking to The High Street Journal said the flight in question is a one-time charter.
“There is a single charter flight arranged for December 3, 2024, from London to Kumasi and return. It is just a charter flight,” Mr Mendes stated.
“The flight will be direct, but it will be restricted on the number of passengers and baggage which can be carried. This confirms it as a special service,” Mr Mendes added.
Charter flights, unlike regular scheduled airline services, are arranged for specific groups or events, often tailored to unique needs.
Mr Mendes explained that this flight would operate on a Boeing 737-800, which has a maximum capacity of 189 seats. However, due to operational restrictions, only 80 to 120 seats will be available for sale, and tickets will be sold exclusively through a charter agent and not directly by Ethiopian Airlines.
Meanwhile, industry experts have raised questions about the feasibility of such flights becoming a regular service. One aviation expert, speaking anonymously, pointed out that Kumasi International Airport’s runway might lack the capacity to handle larger aircraft for long-haul flights without refueling stops.
This limitation supports the assertion that the December 3 flight is a specialized operation rather than the launch of a regular scheduled service.
Some industry experts also suggest the flight may be part of inaugural activities for the recently upgraded Kumasi International Airport. The airport, which has undergone significant renovations, has sparked optimism about potential new routes, but experts remain cautious about the operational and economic viability of sustained long-haul services.
