How BA warded off Ebola impact
British Airways is one of the few companies that has been able to ward off the ravaging effects of the Ebola virus epidemic on its operations into West Africa.
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The Airline’s Commercial Manager for Ghana, Mr Moran Birger, said the deadly Ebola outbreak did not have any negative impact on the airline’s operations to Ghana.
Rather, British Airways’ sales and passenger hauls have been growing, even with the outbreak. He stated: “2014 has been a great year, 2015 promises to be exciting. We have already increased the number of seats we have on our aircraft; the number of seats increased last year and then again we have increased this year which will carry on into 2015.”
Mr Birger told the GRAPHIC BUSINESS that “there is been no case of Ebola Ghana. For us as a company, we have not reduced the seats we have been selling; we have rather increased the number of seats we are selling. So obviously, we still have a very strong believe and passion and very committed to this market we have been serving for 77 years.”
The Ebola virus has claimed over 6,000 lives across West Africa since the first casualty was identified in Guinea in May 2014. According the World Health Organisation (WHO), this is the largest outbreak on the continent and is currently prevalent in four countries – Guinea Sierra Leone, Liberia and Mali.
This has affected business activities in the sub-region, with some investors and tourists cancelling their schedules to West African destinations, especially the four worst affected countries.
Mr Birger indicated that BA was very dedicated to the Ghana market and would continue investing in its services to enhance customer satisfaction.
“It is something that we are expecting to continue growing and enhancing. That is the reason why we have introduced the 747 commercial passenger aircraft, which is the largest aircraft in Ghana at the moment. For us Ghana is such an important market and we still continue to grow in the coming years,” he noted.
The BA Accra-Heathrow flights also stop at Monrovia, Liberia. But the airline has since the epidemic halted the stopover there. Out on its own, BA has been encouraging its passengers about how there was no single case of Ebola in Ghana, a reason they should continue their flight schedules to the country and other West African destinations.
New fare
The airline has introduced a promotion fare this yuletide to show appreciation to its loyal customers. Since December 11, passengers of the airline can purchase their economy class tickets from US$420 to Heathrow. The promotion tickets are, however, valid for travels starting from December 21.
“Coming to the end of the year we have celebrated our 77 years anniversary here in Ghana. Again, we have given our customers transport for free and free ticket to London to enjoy the holiday there. We have also given our customers special fare to travel for the Christmas.
Starting from next year, Mr Birger said the British carrier would introduce more of its world class services on its Accra route to give customers enhanced customer experience.
“We are also going to put our new first class on board to allow our Ghanaian customers to experience the luxury of first class travel, first class seat, and a first class service,” he stressed.GB