British startup carrier Sentra Airways has leased its first aircraft as it hopes to begin direct flights between Manchester and Ghana this winter. The airline had planned to launch in the summer of 2021 before rescheduling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore Sentra Airways and its plans below.

Sentra Airways leases an Airbus A330

Sentra Airways has moved a step closer to connecting Manchester and Ghana after leasing its first aircraft. The startup carrier, which has yet to launch after delaying its proposed September 2021 date, has leased an Airbus A330-200.

The aircraft was acquired from global aviation lessor Air Lease Corporation (ALC) and is scheduled for delivery this summer. This is the first to join the Sentra Airways fleet as the carrier moves closer to launch.

Bruce Fenton, Executive Director of Sentra Airways, said,

"We would like to express our thanks to ALC for being our lease partner for the first Sentra Airways A330-200. We look forward to further collaborations with ALC and completing the regulatory approvals to gain our UK AOC certification later this year."

The carrier hopes to launch flights between Manchester and Accra, Ghana, at the end of this year, followed by further African destinations and a possible foray into the United States.

Lauren Kervick, Assistant Vice President of Marketing of Air Lease Corporation, said,

"ALC is pleased to announce this lease placement for one A330-200 with Sentra Airways. Sentra has an exciting growth and business plan operating from the UK to West Africa, and we look forward to growing our relationship over the coming years."

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Airbus A330-200 - MSN 1138

Sentra's newly-acquired Airbus A330-200 is 12 years old and previously flew with Sichuan Airlines. The aircraft spent its entire service life under the Chinese carrier and was recently retired from active duty.

Ishmael Musah, Chairman and Accountable Manager of Sentra Airways, said,

"Sentra Airways is delighted to have finally reached this significant milestone."

The A330 is set to arrive in Manchester over the summer. Under Sichuan, the aircraft offered a two-class layout consisting of 36 business class seats and 209 economy seats.

There has been no word on how Sentra Airways will configure the aircraft, which is capable of carrying north of 400 passengers in a denser configuration. The aircraft last flew on March 11th and is presently parked at Chengdu Shianglu International Airport.

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Direct flights between Manchester and Ghana

Under Sentra Airways' initial launch plans, the carrier would offer 6x weekly flights between Manchester and Accra, the capital city of Ghana. After its September 9th, 2021 launch date was postponed, Sentra is looking to launch in the third or fourth quarter of 2022.

The carrier was established in the city of Bradford, UK, which is around 50 miles away from its base at Manchester Airport. Sentra is currently completing its certification with the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Initially founded under the name "Majestic Mallard Airways" in 2019, the airline changed its name to Sentra Airways in 2020.

Are you interested in direct flights between Manchester and Ghana? What are your thoughts on Sentra Airways? Let us know in the comments.