McDan Aviation has raised concerns over the Ghana Airport Company Limited’s (GACL) decision to deny access to its private jet terminal, stating that the issues leading to the action have been misrepresented.
In a statement dated December 30, 2024, McDan Aviation refuted allegations that it owes GACL an outstanding debt of over $3 million, calling the claim “erroneously reported.”
According to the company, it has consistently honored its financial responsibilities for operating the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal and recently made an additional payment to ensure continuity. Payments are also scheduled to resume fully in January 2025.
The statement further clarified that the ongoing legal dispute concerning a parcel of land acquired from GACL on Spintex Road is unrelated to the terminal operations. McDan Aviation noted that the land dispute, which involves a third-party litigation, has created an unnecessary overlap with unrelated financial matters.
“It is regrettable that GACL has chosen to take this line of action, particularly when the matters at hand are not interconnected,” McDan Aviation stated.
This development comes amidst reports that GACL shut down the private jet terminal due to unpaid debts. However, McDan Aviation’s statement suggests the shutdown may be an overreach, as previous payments and ongoing legal complications were communicated to GACL well in advance.
This is not the first time GACL’s decisions concerning McDan Aviation have raised eyebrows. In February 2022, the aviation regulator barred McDan from operating at Terminal 1 over alleged non-compliance, despite the company’s efforts to align its operations with international standards. At the time, McDan Aviation launched Ghana’s first private jet terminal, a groundbreaking achievement in the country’s aviation industry.
While GACL continues to cite operational and financial concerns, McDan Aviation has consistently demonstrated transparency and a commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue. The company reaffirmed its dedication to addressing the current challenges, with its CEO, Kwaku Ampromfi, emphasizing the need for constructive engagement to ensure a resolution that benefits all stakeholders.
As the situation unfolds, questions linger over GACL’s management of its relationships with operators like McDan Aviation and the broader implications for Ghana’s aviation sector.