Ghana’s Africa World Airlines (AWA) is considering a move to larger aircraft as it looks to expand its network beyond the limits of its current fleet. The privately owned carrier, which mainly operates Embraer E145 regional jets, says it is assessing options that would allow it to fly farther and carry more passengers, though no final decision has been made.
Why AWA Is Looking Beyond the E145
The airline’s new chief operating officer, Sohail Mahmood, said the E145 has served AWA well but acknowledged that the company has reached a point where growth may require a bigger aircraft type. AWA currently operates seven E145s, according to fleet data, though two are not active. The airline has previously explored adding more of the same aircraft, but sourcing younger jets has proven difficult.
The Embraer E145 has been the backbone of AWA’s operations since its launch in 2012. Mahmood described it as highly reliable and well suited to West Africa, especially for short routes and challenging operating conditions. The aircraft is widely used across the continent due to its durability and relatively low operating costs.
However, the jet has clear limits. Its range and seating capacity restrict AWA from flying longer regional routes, such as Accra to Dakar, and reduce cargo options. To overcome this, the airline is considering larger models, including the Embraer E190, which could open new markets while keeping operational complexity manageable. Other African airlines use the E190 family for medium-range routes, benefiting from higher capacity without moving to narrow-body aircraft like the Boeing 737.
Network Growth and Long-Term Plans
AWA follows a hub-and-spoke model from Accra, with daily domestic flights to Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale, and regional services to Abidjan and Lagos. A newer route to Ouagadougou has performed strongly since launching in mid-2025, according to the airline.
Mahmood said AWA is studying at least two additional destinations, with decisions driven by data and demand rather than rapid expansion. Backed by Ghanaian and Chinese investors, the airline aims to become a benchmark carrier in West Africa over the next few years, focusing on safety, reliability and sustainable growth.
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