Reputable International airline Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana will expand the infrastructure at Tamale and Ho cities. The Tamale City Project will get a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO), Cargo Village, Training School, and Catering Facility and the Ho City Project will experience an Industrial Zone.
The airline’s 24-hour service initiative is to change both cities’ skylines, boost businesses, and attract foreign investors while making Ghana an aviation hub in the West and Central African sub-regions. This initiative will create over one hundred thousand direct and over one million indirect job opportunities for Ghanaians.
Goldstar Air is far advanced in negotiating with a Solar Energy manufacturing company to install solar panels at all our facilities and other private homes and businesses. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This energy will be used to generate electricity or stored in batteries or thermal storage.
When building a successful city, keeping the citizens happy is key. Happy citizens are productive, which is exactly what Goldstar Air wants in the two cities. The airline will also prioritize the needs of citizens and keep them satisfied with access to essential services like healthcare, education, and public safety.
Goldstar Air Skyline project will put both cities in the driver’s seat to improve the lifestyle of the citizens, from zoning and infrastructure to solar energy and ground transportation to make both cities thrive. The airline will be improving the overall livability of the towns, by prioritizing road networks in both cities’ early development with reliable, affordable, and convenient modes of transportation.
The airline will invest in both cities’ growth while ensuring their long-term financial health because a financially sound city is prosperous. The airline will adopt the green infrastructure, and this will be a game-changer in both cities by incorporating parks to take the city to the next level. The parks will not just beautify the cities alone but improve the overall quality of life by reducing pollution and boosting happiness levels. Plus, it provides a peaceful haven for citizens to unwind and enjoy nature.
Goldstar Air has been licensed by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to operate, schedule, and non-scheduled flights to West Africa and Intercontinental.
The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) is waiting for the clearance letter from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to allocate the proposed land at Tamale for the airline to commence construction.
According to the Auditor General’s report, huge financial losses were incurred by the country’s five regional airports. The report revealed that these airports generated a total revenue of GHS13.3 million in 2022, against an expenditure of GHS39.14 million. That is a deficit of about GHS26.01 million. Ho Airport generated no revenue but incurred an expenditure of GHS1.3 million in 2022 and though Tamale International Airport is operational, brought in GHS4.74 in revenue but had a substantial expenditure of GHS15.41 million.
The International airline has set its sights on becoming a leading contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Ghana and will be initiating biweekly (2 weeks) employee pay structure, which will align with our other destinations salary structure to avoid employment discrimination and first of its kind in the aviation sector in Ghana.
Ghana must shift towards local participation in aviation for sustainable job creation in the sector and ensure equitable distribution of profits within the country to bolster economic growth.
The unemployment rate in Ghana has risen to 14.7 percent, which is the highest in the history of the country, according to data from the Annual Household Income and Expenditure Survey Quarter Three Bulletin by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and a security threat to the nation.
According to the 2021 census data, 38% of Ghana’s population comprises young people aged 15-35, 35% are children under 15, and only 4% are older than 65. There is no doubt the youth of the country remains a critical resource in the 21st century nation building and development, and the airline is creating worth for the youth in Ghana.
This is more pertinent as the rising unemployment in Ghana is due to a disconnect between education and the skills required in the labor market. Moreover, the weakness in the educational system and what the industry needs has prolonged unemployment duration in Ghana. The aviation industry alone can be the catalyst to create sustainable job opportunities for the youth.
According to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldstar Air Eric Bannerman, the airline’s strategic plan will make the two airports, first in the northern regional capital Tamale and secondly in the Volta regional capital Ho useful for the regions and the youth will be trained to get jobs to benefit local people, because it is not only about opening the airport for passengers and aircraft but also for the local people and region to benefit from the 24/7 economy-axillary jobs around the airport.
The main reason for opening the airports is for Voltarians and Northerners to get jobs, and Goldstar Air is the obvious choice to make it happen. Goldstar Air, as an economic tool, knows what and how to let people in the regions earn more money in aviation, tourism, and other sectors of the economy by enhancing the country’s economic performance.
The design of the Ho industrial zone will enable companies to operate in an investor-friendly environment with ready-to-use infrastructure and social facilities. The existing infrastructure provided at the airport includes roads, water supply, electricity, telecommunication, waste treatment, and other services, and it will also be suitable for traditional aviation services, commercial offices, industrial/logistics, retail, entertainment, and hospitality opportunities.
With economic globalization and the improvement of global air transport systems, airports are increasingly replacing seaports, railways, and highway hubs to become a new engine of economic and industrial development. Airports are no longer places where planes just take off and land. Various industries cluster at and around airports to take advantage of accessibility, speed, and mobility.
Goldstar Air will revitalize Ho Airport in the Volta Region with an innovative approach to development that will not only attract more passengers to the airports but also stimulate high-quality economic growth in the region and across the nation.
Although the construction of Ho Airport was completed in 2017, featuring a runway measuring 1,900 by 30 meters (6,300 ft x 98 ft) and a terminal capable of handling 150,000 passengers annually, it remained inactive. The airport’s readiness to receive specific aircraft depends on its runway capacity, a crucial factor for accommodating various plane requirements.
Goldstar Air operations from the Ho airport will pave the way for more companies to be part of the Industrial Zone for a growing and vibrant community in the Volta Region and it will stimulate employment for the youth and operate within some priority sectors, such as Electric Vehicle Assembly Plant, Hotels, Restaurants, Cocoa Processing, Light Industrial Manufacturing, Warehousing, and Logistics Services to set up 24-hour operations.
These facilities will soon be in high demand because it will be a unique and strategic business location and 24/7/365 access to worldwide markets. The airline is looking forward to other people and companies joining this exciting new development during exponential growth in the Volta Region.
Providing Electric Vehicle charging stations at Ghana airports will also enable EV owners to charge their vehicles while they travel, whether for a short trip or an extended stay. This will eliminate range anxiety and encourage more people to choose electric vehicles for their journeys, including those renting cars.
The Electric Vehicle (EV) market, according to Bloomberg, is heading for significant growth over the next few years. This growth, however, would not be possible without increased infrastructure in locations with a critical mass of EVs, like airports. From travelers and airport personnel to delivery vehicles, rentals, airport services, and, often, a key location on transportation routes.
Ho Airport is an industrial and tourism hub and the airline will operate direct flights to and from Mecca, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focusing on Muslims in the Volta Region and neighboring countries such as Togo and Benin, providing ground transportation also to and from passenger’s destination and gradually expanding to include loyalty charter flights to and from Europe, as we hope with our limited operations, It will gradually turn the Ho Airport into a full International Airport for scheduled flights to start and to have its full return on investment (ROI) to amortize the airport for future investments and expansion, having in view passengers from far and near.
Ho Industrial Zone will be designed like the advanced Toronto’s Lester B Pearson Airport Economic Zone (PEZ), Canada’s second-largest employment zone, employing 400,000 people and contributing $53 billion to Ontario’s economy.
The Toronto Economic Zone is home to a significant concentration of firms chasing the business opportunities created to efficiently connect with customers and supply chains globally. In addition to seventy-seven Fortune 500 companies, the area is home to numerous iconic Canadian success stories, such as MDA, creators of CanadaArm3. One in ten companies in Ontario, from a wide range of industries, are now located within Pearson Economic Zone.
Mr. Bannerman emphasized that airport infrastructure organizations in Ghana must plan for the next 30 years, where cargo should be because most of the airports in the country will want it. The challenge will be that, in the existing airports there will be limited land area to accommodate it. Terminals will be looking for capacity expansion, Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO), Cargo, Training and Catering services space, and many more, but there will be not much space to go.
Tamale International Airport (TML) is the third-busiest airport in Ghana, after Kotoka International Airport (KIA) and Kumasi International Airport (KMS) with a runway of 3,400 meters (11,154 feet). Northern Ghana will rake in more revenue annually by instituting a 24-hour economy for growth and advancement, and that will help reduce unemployment and boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Goldstar Air has secured the Architectural Design and Building Order, and it is set to construct 250 x 250 x 75 Maintenance, Repair, And Overhaul (MRO) at the Tamale International Airport to cater for the maintenance, repair, and refurbishment of our aircraft and other companies, as well as skill training.
In aviation’s dynamic and safety-critical world, the distinctions between maintenance, repair, and overhaul are paramount. While closely related, these processes serve different purposes in maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. Maintenance keeps aircraft in operational condition through routine inspections and minor component replacements. Repair addresses specific issues that arise unexpectedly, while overhaul involves comprehensively rebuilding components or systems to extend their working life.
Maintenance is the routine and planned work that keeps an aircraft operational. It encompasses a wide range of tasks, from regular inspections to minor component replacements, aimed at sustaining the airworthiness of aircraft. Maintenance activities can be categorized into two main types: line maintenance and base maintenance.
Line Maintenance is conducted daily between flights, often at the airport gates. Line maintenance includes visual inspections, fluid level checks, tire replacements, and minor repairs that can be completed quickly. These activities are essential for ensuring an aircraft is safe to fly and meets regulatory standards.
Base Maintenance, on the other hand, involves more comprehensive work and is carried out at dedicated maintenance facilities. This type of maintenance includes more in-depth inspections, repairs, and component replacements that cannot be easily performed in the limited available during line maintenance. Base maintenance is typically conducted at scheduled intervals, often based on the number of flight hours or cycles an aircraft has completed.
The estimated global market for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services is worth up to $50 billion US in the aviation industry alone. As initial expense and performance criticality increase, the need for MRO services also will increase. The aircraft MRO industry is an essential component of the aviation sector, ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of aircraft operations. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the MRO industry is poised to undergo significant transformation soon.
Goldstar Air Cargo Project at the Tamale International Airport aims to breach the north-south gap and to transform and reposition Ghana as an Aviation Hub to facilitate trade and regional integration. The project is also to galvanize investment and growth across the north of Ghana and manufacturing companies can move in because they can get their products easily to any destination in the world.
The development of air cargo villages at major airports in Ghana is expected to help the country in its aim to become a transshipment hub for air cargo. Major and non-major airports in most countries have cargo terminals.
Each type of cargo has its own set of rules and regulations. International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations are based on the recommendations put in place by entities such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and standards built through industry working groups populated by member airlines.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), air cargo is a key driver towards the achievement of the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Air cargo plays a role as a trade facilitator for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), offering the opportunity to link remote markets and connect them across continents as well as to the global supply chain.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently forecast that airfreight volume will grow 4.5% in 2024, building on this year’s second-half momentum. January 2024 global air cargo markets are indicating a strong start, total demand increased by 18.4%, compared to January 2023 levels. The profitability of the air cargo industry has been impressive.
Goldstar Air Catering Services will be providing food and beverage services on all our aircraft and other private and commercial flights. These services are indispensable in enhancing the overall passenger experience during air travel.
Overall, airline catering services play a crucial role in ensuring that passengers have a positive and satisfying culinary experience while traveling by air. The industry continually evolves to meet changing passenger preferences, dietary trends, and regulatory requirements.
Goldstar Air will provide special meals for passengers with dietary restrictions or specific preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, gluten-free, or diabetic meals. These meals are prepared separately to accommodate individual needs.
The airline has therefore made adequate provisions to serve passengers by introducing Ghanaian dishes and local movies to showcase Ghanaian culture to the rest of the world. We will also customize our catering services to align with our brand image.
The best food with the most beautiful presentation can be negatively impacted if not served with the right level of attention, therefore the airline will empower our cabin crew members to deliver a supreme and seamless service and equip them with all the necessary tools and training they will need to have the confidence to perform at the highest level of in-flight hospitality.
Goldstar Air-approved Aviation Training School will equip current and future generations of aviation professionals with skills and tools to overcome industry challenges. unique techniques and resources and 24-hour service will provide and help build aviation professionals’ capability and capacity, ensuring they can thrive in a rapidly changing industry. The airline will give scholarships to the less privileged in Northern Ghana through On-the-job training so they can be part of future aviation professionals.
The airline will acquire certification for the school from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), and Authorized Training Center.
Our goal is to advance missions by offering the specific training support needed, including access to cutting-edge simulator technology, specially designed training environments, and the expertise of professional European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) qualified instructors.
The Aviation Training School will create a multicultural learning environment, with students from all over the world. This intercultural learning competency will help students feel comfortable working in different countries throughout their careers or sharing the cockpit of an airline with a pilot from another culture.
One may obtain the training and experience necessary to become an FAA-certificated Airframe and or Powerplant Mechanic via two means. The first is Academy training through an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) and the second is On-the-job training (OJT) that provides practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes or powerplants, appropriate to the rating sought. Once you.
Once you meet the On-the-job experience requirements, there are commercially available Airframe and Powerplant refresher courses and Airframe and Powerplant prep courses that will help prepare you to pass the airman knowledge written, oral, and practical tests.
Usually, On-the-job training is the most inexpensive method for gaining the required experience. You will need to document consistently your OJT activities. FAA recommends you record your experience on an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) log. In your log, ensure that you include the Maintenance task performed, Time spent on each task, and Validation by a certificated Airframe and or Powerplant Technician.
Some of the jobs that the youth will benefit from both cities include Pilots, Ground Service Crew, Service personnel in Maintenance, Accountants, Flight Dispatchers, Drivers, Marketing Personnel, Cleaners, IT Managers, Cargo Agents, Catering Services, Fuel Suppliers, and others, as well as, exporting labor through an agency on call, charter, and aircraft leasing.
The Northern Region, renowned for its agricultural and economic activities, stands to benefit from the cargo village’s strategic location within the Sahelian belt. The region also known as the food basket of Ghana is expected to facilitate access for local agricultural produce to international markets and the airline catering department.
Northern Ghana contributes up to 80% of the Ghana food basket for the local and international markets, comprising major crops like yam, groundnuts, millet, cassava, maize, sorghum, rice, beans and others whikes livestock species produced cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and pigs as the GoldStar Air is looking to contributing to raising it to over 90%.
From the mother of all regions, Tamale will serve as a pivotal hub for our airline’s international flights to and from Sahel region and the Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
From the Northwestern corner of Ghana, Wa will be experiencing charter flights from the rural and smaller communities connecting global cities which will help businesses in the area to expand and attract new companies.
From the Garden City Kumasi, the airline will initially operate flights to Rome, Madrid, Hamburg, London, Dusseldorf, Milan and Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Also from the capital city of Accra, flights shall include destinations such as Washington, Dubai, Lagos, Toronto, Moronvia, Conakry, Abidjan, Guangzhou, Dakar, Banjul, Rhode Island, London and Freetown and pending cities such as Miami-Florida, Atlanta Georgia, Chicago Illinois, Glasgow-Scotland, Houston-Texas and many more.
