South African Airways launches route between Accra and Washington

 South African Airways (SAA)  announced the launch of its inaugural flight between Accra, Ghana and Washington DC in North America.

The new route substantially strengthens SAA’s presence in West Africa, and the first flight departed from the Kotoka International Airport in Accra at 22:45, Sunday, 2 August, following a celebratory send-off, to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C. On board were the Ghanaian Minister of Transportation, Honourable Dzifa Aku Attivo, as well as a contingent of high profile Ghanaian government officials; other guests, executives and media. 

The flight was Captained by Senior Captain Themba McLean, SAA’s first black Chief Standards Pilot, assisted by Senior First Officer Mvikeli Nongxa and Senior First Officer Yvette Findlay-Walsh. On arrival the inaugural flight was welcomed by a celebratory water spray as it taxied into the Washington D.C. Dulles International Airport.