AWA CEO wants govt to remove levies on imported aircraft spare parts

Sean Mendis, has appealed to the government to remove taxes on aircraft and their spare parts imported into the country as a way of assisting domestic airlines to deal with the impact of the COVID-19.

Domestic airlines on Friday May 1 resumed flights from Accra to various destinations.

International and domestic flights were grounded when the country’s borders were closed in March, as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), together with the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Ghana Health Service, has instituted measures to ensure a smooth resumption of operations.

This follows the completion of a disinfection exercise at the various airports in Accra, Tamale, Kumasi and Takoradi.

Mr Sean Mendis told TV3 that measures have been taken by the airline operators to forestall the spread of the virus.

He the number of passengers have been reduced as part of moves to ensure social distancing.

“We want support not by giving free money or subsidy but by liberalising some of the tax regimes, so for example eliminating customs duty on aircraft and spare parts imports,” he said.