As Delivered Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Stephanie S. Sullivan
United Airlines Inaugural Direct Flight to Kotoka International Airport (IAD to ACC)
Kotoka International Airport | May 15, 2021 | 8:00AM
Honorable Minister of Transportation, Kweku Ofori Asiamah;
Ghana Airports Company Airport Managing Director, Yaw Kwakwa;
United Airlines Vice President of International Network and Alliances,
Patrick Quayle;
Members of the media present;
Ladies and gentlemen;
All Protocols Observed
Good morning! I’m pleased to personally welcome United Flight 996’s inaugural flight from Dulles International Airport in Virginia to Kotoka International Airport in Accra. Let’s all wish United Airlines a warm – and I do mean warm – “Akwaaba” to Ghana.
This flight, and the re-opening of a direct air travel route between United States National Capital Region and Accra, represents a significant turning point in the last 15 months.
As vaccinations take effect across Ghana and the United States, and we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the post-pandemic world seems to be a bit closer with each passing day.
This direct route will increase opportunities for: cross-border trade, visits to Ghana’s amazing tourist destinations, as well as those in the United States, and of course, reunions with family and friends.
Today’s flight, and the many regular flights to come, provide an avenue for the people of Ghana and the United States to connect, and reconnect, with each other.
I’m pleased that United Airlines, with its impeccable service and safety records, and its 95-years as one of the world’s most recognized airlines, has returned to serve the Ghanaian market. Sometimes a video chat just isn’t enough, and it’s evident that United Airlines understands this as well.
United recently updated its slogan from the familiar ‘Fly the Friendly Skies’ to “Let’s Get Reunited, World.” This sentiment epitomizes the new route reuniting Washington Dulles and Kotoka International Airports.
As we welcome United Airlines back to Ghana, I am reminded that “the path to a friend’s home is never far.” Indeed, we are shortening the path between our two friendly countries, reuniting Ghana with the United States and vice versa.
Thank you, Medaase.
