Washington, Dulles Airport, Sunday June 20, 2010 (Father’s Day). United Airlines debuted its service to the African continent with a direct flight to Accra, Ghana (West Africa) amidst a festive celebration at the departure gate (D1). Prior to the historic flight, United, Ghanaian Government, Airport Authority and Malaria-No-More officials made brief remarks to commemorate the occasion and the significant aviation milestone. Malaria No More, a U.S. non-profit, non-governmental organization working to end malaria deaths world wide and Exxon Mobil partnered with United Airlines on this occasion by sending 100's of mosquito nets to rural Ghana. This new daily service from Washington Dulles Airport to Accra International Airport marks United’s 28th capital - to - capital connection.
A total of 172 passengers including Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States – H.E. Daniel Ohene Agyekum joined the ten and a half hours flight to Accra, Ghana’s capital city. Passengers flew aboard a Boeing 767-300 with a configuration of 6 (first class), 26 (business class) and 151 (coach). The 13 member crew who decorated their uniforms with pieces of kente cloth was delighted to be part of history. The flight departed promptly at 10:10pm U.S. Eastern Time and is scheduled to arrive in Accra at 12:40pm local time to an equally festive welcome celebration.
United Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of UAL Corporation (Nasdaq: UAUA), operates approximately 3,300 flights a day on United and United Express to more than 230 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United is also a founding member of Star Alliance®, which provides connections for customers to 1,077 destinations in 175 countries worldwide.
AMIP News brings you a photo report of the departure ceremony.
Ghana Embassy & United Airlines Staff at the Check-In counter
Passengers of UA 990 heading to gate D1
Passengers await boarding - Gate D1
Remarks - Ambassador Daniel Ohene Agyekum
Remarks - Ambassador Daniel Ohene Agyekum
Remarks - Rahsaan Johnson (Media Relations, United)
Remarks - Cindy Szadokierski (VP Airport Operations Planning / United Express)
Mark Treadaway, VP Air Services Planning / Development
Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority
Crew of UA990
Crew of UA 990
Crew of UA 990
Ribbon Cutting
Ribbon Cutting
Mosquito Net donated by Malaria No More
UA 990 at Departure Gate
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