Emirates, the world's largest international airline, and Africa World Airlines (AWA), the Ghanaian airline headquartered in Accra, have announced a one-way interline agreement whereby Emirates opens up new African destinations for Emirates customers from May 2019. The UAE is located at the intersection of the Belt and Road Initiative. This agreement will help build more efficient and convenient air routes for China, as it looks to connect with the world through the Belt and Road Initiative.

Originating from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, passengers on Emirates' network can benefit from greater connectivity to West Africa. After trasnfering via Dubai to Accra, they could fly from Accra onto AWA flights to Kumasi, Tamale and Sekondi-Takoradi in Ghana; and regional destinations Monrovia in Liberia and Freetown in Sierra Leone.

Mr. Adam Li, Vice President of Emirates China noted that: "A growing percentage of Emirates' China traffic travels to the UAE and Middle East - currently 38%. This increases to 63% when combined with Africa. By operating via our Dubai hub, Emirates greatly enhances China's trade links with the rest of the world, connecting Chinese business and leisure passengers with destinations and travel trade opportunities that would not otherwise exist."

"Emirates was the first Middle Eastern airline to launch a direct passenger service between the region and mainland China and 2019 marks the 15th anniversary of Emirates' operation in this market. We currently operate 35 A380 flights from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to Dubai. The advantageous geography and business friendly infrastructure of the UAE makes it a gateway of opportunity for China into Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Europe. As the world's larget international airline based in Dubai, and providing unique global connectivity links, we are happy to contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative of China."

Emirates passengers can choose from seven weekly flights from Dubai to Accra until 2nd of June, 2019, when Emirates will increase services on the route to 11 weekly flights. The agreement with AWA will further extend Emirates' connectivity from Accra with up to ten flights daily to Kumasi, four flights daily each to Tamale and Takoradi and six weekly flights to Monrovia and Freetown.

Between Dubai and Accra, Emirates operates the Boeing 777-300ER, one of the most technologically advanced and efficient aircraft in the world. The aircraft's advanced wing design, efficient engine and light structure makes more efficient use of fuel. This means significantly less emissions than similar aircraft, making it one of the most 'green' long range commercial aircraft types. Passengers in all cabin classes can enjoy Emirates' award-winning entertainment on ice - the airline's inflight entertainment system that offers 4,000 channels of in-flight entertainment. Customers will also enjoy complimentary beverages and regionally inspired meals, as well as the warm hospitality of the airline's multi-cultural cabin crew. Passengers can also stay connected to family and friends during the flight with up to 20 MB of complementary Wi-Fi.

Africa World Airlines (AWA) is a Ghanaian airline based in Accra. AWA started operations in 2012 and now operates a fleet of 8 all-jet aircraft across 8 destinations throughout Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone, with services to Cote D'Ivoire planned to commence in May 2019. AWA is the only IATA member airline registered in Ghana, and maintains IOSA certification, the global gold standard for aviation safety.

Contributed by Emirates