Acting U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Rolf Olson, has underscored the crucial role Delta Air Lines would play in strengthening connectivity between Ghana and the United States, following the launch of the airline’s seasonal flights from Accra to Atlanta.
The Chargé d’Affaires was among the high-profile dignitaries who graced the official launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Kotoka International Airport, marking the first Accra–Atlanta service in 13 years.
Olson praised Delta Air Lines for its longstanding contribution to aviation links between the two countries, recounting its 20 years of direct service between Accra and New York. He described the launch of the seasonal Accra–Atlanta route as “an incredibly important step forward” in deepening commercial and people-to-people ties.
“Delta has been here flying direct to New York for nearly 20 years, but this inaugurates a new leg, a connection between Accra and another great American city in Atlanta. Our relationship between Ghana and the U.S. is long, broad, and deep, and continues to grow,” he noted.
Olson emphasized that the aviation sector remains a catalyst for trade, tourism, migration, and investment, adding that U.S. businesses, including Delta, continue to strengthen the mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations.
With the United States set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Olson expressed anticipation for Ghana’s participation as the Black Stars gear up for their fifth appearance on football’s biggest stage. He noted that the new flight route will be strategically important during this period.
“We’ll find out later this week where Ghana will play its games. Whether Atlanta is one of them or not, we know Delta can play a very important role in connecting the U.S. and Ghana,” he stated.
The launch ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting and cake cutting presentation, led jointly by Delta representatives and the Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, alongside Acting Ambassador Olson.
The Accra–Atlanta service will operate with the Airbus A330-900neo, a modern aircraft with a maximum seating capacity of 465 and a range of 7,350 nautical miles. This aircraft features Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, advanced flight systems, and next-generation aerodynamics designed for efficiency on both short- and long-haul routes.
Delta is expected to operate 46 round-trip flights during the peak holiday season, with the final departure scheduled for January 15. The A330-900neo replaces the A330-200 and 767-300ER previously used on the route over a decade ago.
Delta’s Sales Manager in Ghana, Eloina Baddoo, highlighted the airline’s premium service offerings, including Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Delta Main Cabin, designed to deliver unmatched comfort, technology, and efficiency for both business and leisure travelers.
The revival of the Accra–Atlanta route signals the growing strength of the North America–Africa aviation market. Delta recently launched its first-ever route from Atlanta to Marrakech, Morocco, while Canada’s Air Transat announced new services from Montreal to Accra, Dakar (Senegal), and Agadir (Morocco).
Delta is projected to operate up to 50 weekly departures to Africa between December and January, a substantial increase from 36 weekly flights in 2024, marking its largest African network expansion to date.
By: Richmond Fordjour Ampofo
