ACCRA, Ghana, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Ghana ("Government")
and the U.S. consortium, GIA-USA, LLC ("GIA"), are pleased to announce that
definitive agreements have been signed creating a new airline based in Accra,
Ghana.  The new airline will be the national air carrier of Ghana, replacing
the old national airline, which is currently winding down.  The new company is
named Ghana International Airlines Limited ("GIAL").
    The Board of Directors of GIAL has appointed a world class executive
management team headed by Mr. J. Ralph Atkin, founder of SkyWest Airlines,
Inc. in the USA, to immediately commence formation of the new airline with an
impressive network of flights to and from Europe, North America and Africa
using Kotoka International Airport in Accra as a hub.
    Mr. Atkin has already commenced work on the necessary licenses, amendments
to bilateral agreements, and entry into IATA and other international airline
industry groups.  Mr. Atkin stated:  "While the formation process of the new
airline took longer than anticipated, I am delighted that we can now focus on
supplementing our senior management team to establish the solid foundation on
which we will build a world class airline serving West Africa and points in
Europe and North America."
    Mr. Atkin and his executive team are continuing to work with potential
strategic partners on code sharing agreements and other commercial
arrangements in preparation for commencement of flight operations scheduled
for the second quarter of 2005.  Pre-sale of tickets should commence in
March-April 2005.  GIAL is now actively negotiating for the necessary aircraft
to implement its business plan and anticipates an initial fleet of 8 to 10
wide and narrow body aircraft.
    The winding down by the Government of the operations of the old national
airline is continuing and it is expected that this process will be completed
prior to GIAL's commencement of flight operations.
    Both GIAL and the Government consider the creation of a viable, reliable
airline in Ghana to be a critical component of the ongoing economic
transformation already underway in Ghana.  Resuming direct flights to and from
the USA and improving service to and from Europe will establish Accra, Ghana
as the ideal gateway to West Africa, which will stimulate economic growth and
tourism in Ghana and the surrounding region.

    About Ghana
    The Republic of Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast, achieved
independence from England in 1957.  Ghana is a West African country with a
population of about 20 million people.  The Ministry of Roads and Transport is
responsible for the air-transport industry in the country.

    About GIAL
    Ghana International Airlines Limited is a Ghanaian corporation limited by
shares.  Its two shareholders are the Government and GIA-USA, LLC.  GIAL is
headquartered in Accra, Ghana.

    About GIA-USA, LLC
    GIA-USA, LLC is a limited liability company formed in the State of Utah,
USA and is owned by several companies including:  World Transport Group, Inc.,
a St. George, Utah based aviation consulting company (the president of which
is J. Ralph Atkin, the founder of SkyWest Airlines, Inc.); and Sentry
Investments, LLC, a Salt Lake City, Utah based investment company (which is an
affiliate of Sentry Financial Corporation).  World Transport Group, Inc. has
substantial experience in the airline industry and Sentry has extensive
expertise in providing financing in developing countries.

     Contact Information:

     GIAL
     J. Ralph Atkin, CEO
     Email: info@worldtransportgroup.com

     R. Kirk Heaton, Deputy CEO
     Email: kheaton@ghanainternationalairlines.com
     Telephone:  +1 801-303-1105

     Andrew C. Bebbington, CFO
     Email: abebbington@ghanainternationalairlines.com
     Telephone: +1 801-303-1116

     Republic of Ghana
     Honorable Minister Dr. Richard Anane
     Ministry of Roads and Transport
     Email: richard.anane@mrtghana.gov.gh
     Telephone:  +233-21 668 340

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