Smile Air
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| Founded | 2014 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hubs | Kotoka International Airport (Accra) | ||||||
| Fleet size | 0 (68 planned) | ||||||
| Key people | Alexander Nwuba, CEO | ||||||
| Website | gosmileair.com | ||||||
Smile Air is an upcoming Ghanaian airline based at Kotoka International Airport in Accra. It plans to use Xian MA600 and MA700 aircraft to fly to destinations throughout West and Central Africa. As of December 2015, it is undergoing certification from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
History
Smile Air initially planned to operate long-haul flights to cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East using Boeing 747 aircraft.[1][2] Two Boeing 747s were leased from Iranian airline Mahan Air and repainted in Smile Air's livery. However, Smile Air dropped these plans in November 2015, instead deciding to focus on regional flights using smaller aircraft.[3]
In December 2015, the airline placed an order for 68 Xian MA600 and MA700 aircraft, costing over US$1.2 billion.[4] The MA600 received its type certificate from the GCAA in February 2016, allowing it to begin operating for Smile Air.[5]
As of December 2015, Smile Air is undergoing certification from the GCAA, a process it began in 2014.[4]
Destinations
From its Accra hub, Smile Air plans to fly to cities across West and Central Africa.[4]
Fleet
Smile Air will operate 68 Xian MA600 and MA700 aircraft.[5] The aircraft will be delivered between 2016 and 2021 at a rate of 10–12 aircraft annually.[4]
| Aircraft | In service | Orders | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xian MA600 and MA700 | — | 68 | ? | deliveries 2016–2021 |
See also
References
- ^ "Profile on Smile Air". CAPA - Centre for Aviation. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
- ^ "About Smile Air". Routesonline. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
- ^ "SmileAir cancels B747-400 orders". African Aerospace. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Smile Air orders 68 MA-600/-700 planes". ClassFMonline.com. 22 December 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
- ^ a b Wong, Joy (1 March 2016). "MA600 Receives Type Certificate from Ghana Civil Aviation Authority". China Aviation Daily. Retrieved 4 March 2016.