British Airways (BA)
said yesterday that it would soon acquire 72 new aircrafts to boost its operations in Africa, particularly Nigeria.
British Airways country Commercial Manager, Mr Kola Olayinka told newsmen that the new aircrafts would be acquired before the end of this year, noting that the acquisition of the aircrafts would enable the airline expand its existing route network in Africa.
Mr Olayinka said  the airline would be able to open up new routes in the continent stressing that BA operates 85 flights a week to 14 African destinations which includes Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya.
He disclosed that the airline had ordered for 12 Airbus 380s, 24 Boeing 787s, 6 Boeing 777 – 300 and 10 Airbus 320s Aircraft.
The country’s commercial manager for West Africa explained that some of the aircrafts had already been delivered.
According to him, no fewer than 20 modern aircraft would also join the growing fleet of the airline by the end of 2014.
“These modern aircraft would gradually replace some of the older less fuel efficient aircraft in the British fleet and allow the management to add new destinations and improve schedules. West Africa, we increase our services to 10 a week and in October 2014, flights to Ghana are schedule to increase to 11 per week,” he said.
The manager said the organisation had increased capacity to Kenya by introducing Boeing 747 – 400s on the route, adding that using larger aircraft provides over 780 additional seats every week as the new acquisition was good news for business travelers in the continent.