Getting to Africa just got easier

(AFP PHOTO/TUGELA RIDLEY)

Getting to Africa from the US and the UK is set to become easier thanks to new routes planned by United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

United Airlines, one of the world's largest carriers, is to fly its first ever non-stop service to Africa, between US and Ghana. Flights will depart Washington DC daily from June and fly to Accra, the capital of Ghana. Promotional fares will be available from $706 (€516) when the route starts.

US Airways has also announced a proposed codeshare agreement with Star Alliance colleague Brussels Airlines, meaning that single source booking will be available to Gambia, Senegal, Cameroon and Kenya. Subject to approval from US and Belgian regulatory authorities, the routes will be available from April 3.

British carrier Virgin Atlantic is also reported to be seeking a three-times weekly service from London Heathrow to Accra in May, assuming it can get regulatory approval for the route.

Africa is a growing aviation hub, according to airline analyst OAG Aviation, which reported a 20 percent increase in flight frequency between Europe and Africa during February 2010. In total, the firm said that there would be 5,160 more flights and 1 million more seats on offer in February 2010 than there were in February 2009.

"Africa continues to experience a strong growth with traffic to and from the region," says OAG," [a]ir service in the region is showing an upturn year on year with a 3% rise in the volume of flights and 5% more seat capacity."

Website: http://www.united.com

Website: http://www.usairways.com

Website: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com

Website: http://www.oagaviation.com