Ghana to host air show

9-11 Oct 2014. Ghana's transport minister has announced that the country will host African Air Expo at the end of next year, the first air show on the continent. It is a privately sponsored show, with backing coming from the Emirates, and with Ghanian government patronage.

The civil aviation industry in Africa is one of the fastest growing in the world, with a vast potential to connect countries across the continent rather than via either the Middle East or Europe. Many flights from Ghana still fly through London, to connect to other cities on the continent and Ghana is no exception to the rule.

However inflated fuel prices, government taxes, difficulties with insurance and the high cost of chartering aircraft – for the low cost airlines in particular – is holding the industry back. In a continent where road and rail connections are difficult the civil aviation sector has a bright future. And the growth in air traffic would also mean invesment opportunities in new airports and their ancilliary infrastruture, such as radar and safety systems.

However much will depend on government policies across the continent to develop the industry, such as the liberalisation of air routes and lower taxes on fuel and tickets.