United States and Ghanaian registered company Goldstar Air, a private international airline with an issued Air Carrier Licence (ACL/N-SCH No. 0239) from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and no liabilities as of today, has also secured incentives from major airports worldwide. The airline, authorized by its licence to operate passenger and cargo flights across West Africa and intercontinental routes, is joining the President, Vice President, and fellow Americans in celebrating Thanksgiving, not just as a national holiday, but as an emblem of gratitude, reflection, and the shared human experience of abundance and connection. Furthermore, Goldstar Air’s emblem on the underside of its aircraft, the “belly of America,” featuring a soaring eagle, commits the airline to making Thanksgiving Day very special. Data from Airlines for America (A4A) shows that more than 31 million people were expected to fly in the United States during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period. The A4A group highlights that this figure marks an all-time high for this time of year, up from 29 million passengers in 2023 and 28 million in the pre-pandemic year of 2019. According to A4A’s Senior Vice President of Communications, Rebecca Spicer, the busiest travel days during the entire period were Wednesday, November 27, and Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Thanksgiving in the United States is a grand celebration of unity, gratitude, and the harvest. It is also a period that underscores the significance of the belly as a symbol of nourishment, satisfaction, and comfort, a reminder that food and gratitude are inseparable from life’s essence. The airline will always mark the day with special inflight meals on all destinations to show how cherished the belly is. The belly, as both a physical and symbolic space, reminds the airline that the heart of human connection lies in nourishment, whether that nourishment comes from Goldstar Air well-prepared meal served at 30,000 feet or from the joy of reuniting families across continents. Special discounts will be available for American families or group travel to and from the United States on Thanksgiving Day.
The tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving as a national holiday began in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln declared it to be held annually, partly as a way to unite the country during the Civil War. The day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, as specified in a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress in 1941 and a proclamation issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942, although it was first celebrated in 1621. During the 2024 Thanksgiving, airports across the United States were swamped with travelers, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened 3.08 million people in a single day (the Sunday after the holiday), a record and a reminder that holiday travel is equal parts reunion and endurance test.
Goldstar Air has sought for international intervention to look into the issuance of the airline’s wide-body aircraft Safety Certificate (AOC) and waiting for the outcome, as the process is above halfway and it has been over eight years that the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority is not willing to authorize a qualified third party to complete the remaining phases of the certification process. Completion of this certification will enable the change of the wide-body aircraft nationality, allowing it to be registered under the Ghana Registry (State of Registry) and for Goldstar Air to commence operations. Typically, aircraft are registered in the jurisdiction where the carrier is based and may enjoy preferential rights or privileges as a flag carrier for international operations.
The global aviation sector thrives on competitiveness, yet Goldstar Air embraces the challenge by localizing global excellence. The airline has invested in staff training, customer service, aircraft maintenance, and environmental sustainability to meet and exceed international benchmarks. The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, and other regulatory agencies play a critical role in certifying and supporting safe air travel. By aligning with these standards, Goldstar Air will ensure that passengers flying to and from America enjoy the highest levels of security, comfort, and service. This professional ethos mirrors the principles celebrated on America’s Thanksgiving Day: gratitude, unity, and living by one’s values.
Goldstar Air’s transformational force is inspired by the scripture of Isaiah 40:31 (KJV), which assures that “they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” This symbolism is reflected on the underside of the aircraft, showing the “belly of America” with the eagle soaring. The eagle’s majestic flight symbolizes the freedom and empowerment that the airline will offer its passengers. Its powerful wings and sharp vision represent the strength and resilience of Goldstar Air, navigating through new heights. The eagle’s keen eyesight and soaring altitude signify the airline’s visionary leadership, always looking ahead, while its effortless flight represents Goldstar Air’s aspirational spirit, inspiring its workforce to reach for their dreams and explore new horizons. Therefore, there is no need to delay the issuance of Goldstar Air’s Safety Certificate, which will help kickstart the 24-hour economy and create over two million direct and indirect job opportunities for Ghanaians. The Ghanaian youth cannot wait any longer in the ghettos, they need their well-paying jobs now.
Thanksgiving becomes a metaphor for service, care, and the nurturing of human relationships in the context of aviation and hospitality. Goldstar Air recognizes that its success, like the celebration of Thanksgiving, is built around the idea of feeding both body and soul, of sustaining people not only through travel but through comfort, culture, and experience. Families gather around the table, sharing turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie, reflecting on the blessings of the year and the importance of togetherness. It is a tradition deeply rooted in appreciation for the land’s bounty and the bonds of community. For Goldstar Air, this annual celebration resonates on many levels, particularly in its ongoing mission to deliver comfort, hospitality, and cultural connection through the skies.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldstar Air, Eric Bannerman, who received the 2025 Special Award at the 22nd Annual Ghanaian Canadian Achievement Awards Gala held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Toronto Grand Convention Center, 30 Baywood Road, Etobicoke, Ontario, stated that the airline’s philosophy of service is grounded in the same values that define Thanksgiving: gratitude for the journey, appreciation for the people who make it possible, and the joy of giving generously to others. Every meal served on a Goldstar Air flight will be crafted with this same spirit of Thanksgiving, a recognition that nourishment is an act of care, that every passenger deserves to be valued, and that every experience will be made memorable through thoughtfulness and warmth. In the world of aviation, food has long been more than just sustenance; it is a bridge between cultures, a reflection of identity, and a comfort for travelers far from home.
Goldstar Air understands that the belly is not only strong but sacred, symbolizing health, happiness, and fulfillment. To cherish the belly is to honor the act of eating, to celebrate the art of hospitality, and to recognize that what we feed others represents who we are. The airline’s inflight catering philosophy is built on these foundations. It seeks to bring the richness of American and Ghanaian cuisine to the world while embracing international flavors that appeal to a diverse global audience. From Ghana jollof rice to grilled tilapia, from kelewele to light soup, turkey and gravy, the meals that will be offered by Goldstar Air will embody cultural pride and culinary excellence. Just as Thanksgiving celebrates the bounty of the land, Goldstar Air will celebrate the abundance of American and Ghanaian culture through its food service, reminding passengers that every dish tells a story and every flavor carries a piece of home.
The Thanksgiving season also reminds Goldstar Air of the intricate relationship between food and emotion. In every household across the United States, the aroma of roasted turkey and spiced pies evokes nostalgia, warmth, and belonging. For travelers who may be thousands of miles away from home, the experience of sharing a comforting meal on a flight can carry the same emotional weight. Goldstar Air understands this deeply. Its vision of service goes beyond transportation; it encompasses emotional well-being. The airline knows that a satisfied belly leads to a relaxed mind, and a relaxed mind leads to a pleasant journey. This is why its culinary offerings are designed not just to satisfy hunger but to provide an experience that mirrors the care and warmth of family meals.
Thanksgiving Day is also celebrated in Canada, one of the airline’s North American destinations, on the second Monday in October. It involves gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, and giving thanks for blessings. Thanksgiving became an official annual holiday in 1879 in Canada, but its origins can be traced to ceremonies by explorer Martin Frobisher in 1578 and early feasts with Indigenous peoples. Celebrations typically involve family and friends’ gatherings and a large meal, often featuring roasted turkey, but are generally less commercial than in the United States, with no “Black Friday” shopping tradition. Since the beginning of the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday, its date has been moved several times, from mid-week in April to a Thursday in November, until on January 31, 1957, when the Governor General of Canada, Vincent Massey, officially declared that Thanksgiving would occur on the second Monday in October. This ensured that Thanksgiving and another Canadian holiday, Remembrance Day (November 11), would no longer overlap.
The strength of the belly, as Thanksgiving reminds the world, is symbolic of resilience, community, and abundance. It is a reminder that nourishment sustains not just individuals but societies. In Ghana, food occupies a similarly sacred place during the Prayer and Thanksgiving observed every July 1. It is the centerpiece of gatherings, festivals, prayers, and celebrations, and a means of expressing love and unity. Goldstar Air, as a global ambassador of United States and Ghanaian hospitality, carries this cultural philosophy across borders. The airline’s 24-hour operations are guided by the belief that every passenger should feel the comfort of home no matter where they travel. The Thanksgiving spirit reinforces this value, teaching that hospitality is an act of gratitude, that every meal shared is a form of thanksgiving, and that the belly is not just a vessel of consumption but a symbol of life’s blessings.
The parallel between Thanksgiving and Goldstar Air’s service philosophy also lies in gratitude. In the aviation industry, gratitude manifests in the respect and appreciation shown to passengers, employees, and partners. Goldstar Air’s 24-hour service approach to gratitude is holistic; it recognizes that its success depends on a vast network of people, from engineers and flight attendants to catering teams and passengers who will trust the airline with their journeys. Just as families give thanks during Thanksgiving, Goldstar Air gives thanks to everyone who contributes to its mission. This gratitude is reflected in its continuous investment in quality, safety, and comfort. The airline believes that showing appreciation through action is the highest form of thanksgiving, improving systems, rewarding dedication, and ensuring passengers receive the best possible service.
The belly, strong and cherished, also represents sustainability, a concept increasingly central to modern aviation. For Goldstar Air, cherishing the belly means cherishing the earth that feeds it. The airline’s environmental philosophy aligns with the principles of stewardship celebrated during Thanksgiving. Just as the holiday encourages mindful consumption and gratitude for nature’s gifts, Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and belly of America, embraces eco-friendly practices to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the planet’s bounty. Through responsible catering choices, waste reduction initiatives, and sustainable sourcing of ingredients, the airline will ensure that its inflight meals not only delight the palate but also respect the environment.
The symbolism of Thanksgiving further inspires Goldstar Air to reflect on the essence of connection. Every Thanksgiving, millions of people travel by road, rail, and air to reunite with loved ones. Airports become gateways of emotion, where hugs, tears, and laughter fill terminals. For Goldstar Air, this surge in human movement is a profound reminder of its role in facilitating connection. The airline exists to bring people together, to make distances shorter, to turn longing into reunion, and to transform travel into an experience of joy and gratitude. The belly, in this sense, becomes a metaphor for connection as well. It is the shared table, the communal space where differences dissolve and relationships are renewed. The airline’s 24-hour service mission aligns perfectly with this ideal, as it seeks to build bridges across continents through hospitality, culture, and service.
Moreover, the belly’s significance extends into health and well-being. In a world where fast lifestyles often lead to neglect of nourishment, Thanksgiving reminds humanity to slow down, savor, and give thanks for the gift of sustenance. Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and belly of America, embraces this philosophy by emphasizing health-conscious meal options that cater to the diverse dietary needs of its passengers. The airline’s catering service is not just about taste but about balance, incorporating fresh organic produce, lean proteins, and nutrient-rich dishes that will energize travelers for their journeys. This commitment to wellness reflects the understanding that a strong and cherished belly supports a strong and cherished life. The airline’s dedication to providing wholesome meals echoes the broader human need to be nourished, both physically and emotionally.
The celebration of Thanksgiving also highlights the importance of giving back, a theme deeply embedded in Goldstar Air’s corporate ethos. Just as communities across America organize food drives and charitable events during Thanksgiving to ensure that no one goes hungry, Goldstar Air’s corporate social responsibility initiatives aim to uplift the underprivileged and feed the hungry. The airline’s outreach programs in Ghana include supporting orphanages, providing meals to vulnerable communities, and partnering with organizations that combat food insecurity. These acts of kindness reflect the belief that gratitude is most meaningful when it is shared. For Goldstar Air, giving is not an obligation but a reflection of its values, a way of acknowledging the blessings it has received and passing them forward to others.
The Thanksgiving tradition of feasting and sharing has also influenced how Goldstar Air views its inflight service as an act of celebration. Every flight is an opportunity to create a communal atmosphere where passengers feel valued and connected. The airline’s cabin crew are trained not just as attendants but as hosts who understand that serving food is a gesture of care and respect. They will embody the Thanksgiving spirit of hospitality, treating every passenger as a guest at a global table. This attention to detail will transform ordinary air travel into an extraordinary experience of warmth, comfort, and belonging.
The belly of America, the symbolic strength of an eagle, also ties into the idea of abundance and prosperity. Thanksgiving is a reminder that gratitude for abundance attracts more abundance, and this philosophy guides Goldstar Air’s business approach. The airline’s growth strategy is built on the belief that generosity and excellence create long-term success. By investing in customer satisfaction, employee welfare, and community development, Goldstar Air will ensure that its growth benefits everyone connected to its mission. Just as a family that shares its meal with others grows closer, a company that shares its success with society becomes stronger.
The Thanksgiving narrative teaches resilience on a deeper level, the ability to thrive despite challenges. The first Thanksgiving, celebrated by the early settlers and Native Americans, symbolized survival, cooperation, and renewal after hardship. Goldstar Air’s journey reflects this same resilience. As a United States and Ghana registered company navigating the complexities of global aviation, it has faced challenges but remained steadfast in its mission to connect Ghana to the world. The Thanksgiving reminder of perseverance and gratitude mirrors Goldstar Air’s story, a story of determination, vision, and faith in collective strength. The belly, once again, serves as the metaphor, transforming struggle into strength.
Goldstar Air’s interpretation of Thanksgiving also extends to cultural appreciation. The airline understands that food, like travel, is a universal language that brings people together. Through its inflight meals, it will showcase American and Ghanaian culture to the world while embracing global culinary traditions. This cultural exchange mirrors the Thanksgiving feast, where dishes from different backgrounds often come together on one table. The airline’s philosophy celebrates diversity and inclusion, values that lie at the heart of both American and Ghanaian hospitality. In a world where divisions often overshadow unity, the act of sharing food reminds people of their shared humanity.
The airline’s 24-hour service reflects on the significance of Thanksgiving as it contemplates its future role in fostering global gratitude. The airline envisions expanding its inflight experiences to include seasonal menus inspired by cultural celebrations around the world. During the American Thanksgiving season, for instance, passengers will be treated to a special holiday-inspired menu featuring roasted turkey, mashed yams, cranberry glaze, and American and Ghanaian inspired desserts that blend local and international flavors. These offerings will not only delight the taste buds but also symbolize a bridge between nations, a fusion of traditions that celebrate both diversity and unity. In this way, Thanksgiving becomes a living inspiration for Goldstar Air, a reminder that the act of feeding and caring for others transcends culture, religion, and geography. The belly, strong and cherished, becomes a sacred space where gratitude and generosity meet. Every meal served, every smile exchanged, and every journey completed becomes a form of thanksgiving, a celebration of life, abundance, and connection.
Mr. Bannerman emphasized that the aviation industry supports 87.7 million jobs worldwide and contributes $3.5 Trillion (4.1%) to the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). If aviation were a country, it would rank 17th in size by GDP, equivalent to the economies of Indonesia and the Netherlands. In 2024, the tourism industry also contributed $10.9 Trillion (10%) of the world’s GDP. The African continent is currently undergoing major transitions across technology, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital finance. It is projected to be the 8th largest global economy by 2050 and home to a quarter of the world’s population, about 2.5 billion people, with a projected purchasing power of $16.3 Trillion. Goldstar Air’s global dominance has the potential to capture significant market share in aviation, tourism, and other industries.
Goldstar Air, as a registered United States company with a strong relationship with Boeing, has adopted a multi-hub strategy, with Accra serving as the major global hub due to its geographic advantage and ideal location for long-haul flights. Goldstar Air will prioritize Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X aircraft, which are ideal for the airline’s intercontinental routes, and looks forward to placing aircraft and General Electric (GE) equipment orders soon. The airline appreciates Boeing Company’s recently announced $1 Billion expansion of its South Carolina facility to increase production of the 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This project is expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs over the next five years, adding to the more than 8,200 employees already working at the South Carolina campuses. The expansion responds directly to high global demand for the 787 Dreamliner.
The airline’s collaboration with Boeing will lead to greater productivity, job creation, and increased revenue for Boeing and the overall economic growth of the United States. Goldstar Air is focused not only on acquiring aircraft or establishing an airline but also on how those aircraft will be maintained to support aerospace business sustainability. Management of Goldstar Air is projecting a fleet of more than one hundred (100) modern aircraft to a network of more than ninety (90) key business and leisure destinations, as the airline aims to be recognized among the top one hundred (100) companies in Africa.
Goldstar Air is also negotiating codeshare agreements with other airlines, allowing it to offer a more extensive route network and give passengers more options for traveling from all 50 states in the United States of America and other continents to and from Africa. The airline believes such agreements will benefit its partners by increasing brand awareness, market knowledge about Africa, facilitating trade and investment, and encouraging economic growth.
Afrik Allianz, and Afrik insurance initiative originated by Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and belly of America, aims to create an alliance of African airlines to facilitate intra-regional trade and integration through investments and the movement of goods, services, and people across Africa and beyond. Afrik Allianz will act as a bridge between global investments and African opportunities, organizing investor roadshows, diaspora investment forums, sovereign wealth dialogues, and trade delegations.
Afrik Allianz, a multi-modal single air transport alliance connecting Africa and beyond, spearheaded by Goldstar Air, represents a strategic move to enhance connectivity, streamline operations, and offer travelers access to more than 121 airports across Africa while identifying opportunities for further collaboration. Member airlines will share resources such as lounges, terminal space, ground handling services, marketing programs, maintenance bases, and IT systems, thereby reducing operational costs. This collaborative effort aims to ensure consistent service while maintaining financial independence and brand identity for all members, ultimately creating millions of job opportunities for Africa’s growing youth population. Furthermore, the alliance will strengthen African businesses and capitalize on opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which encompasses an estimated 44 million Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa.
Afrik Insurance, a subsidiary of Afrik Allianz, will handle the aviation insurance needs of member airlines, including large insurance coverages and reinsurance. The insurance department will begin by covering member aircraft flying within Africa and later expand to other continents. Coverage will meet requirements essential to owners, operators, pilots, renters, students, and flight schools, especially where there is a risk to life. The Afrik Allianz initiative is rooted in the belief that Africa, with its vast potential and untapped resources, will become a global model for how tourism, conservation, trade, investment, and community empowerment can work hand in hand to create a brighter future for all.
Afrik Allianz members will benefit significantly from insurance policy arrangements, provided there are minimal claims. Additionally, the alliance will arrange “fleet policies” to cover all aircraft owned or operated by its members. Underwriting profits can be utilized as indemnities or guarantees for purchasing additional aircraft, further benefiting Africa’s local insurance sector. Afrik Insurance’s financial guarantee will provide contractual guarantees to member airlines for acquiring more aircraft. It will maintain joint legal ownership of the assets at inception and throughout the duration of the contract or establish a back-to-back arrangement with a third party that also holds joint legal ownership for the life of the contract.
Goldstar Air has a grand vision to establish a 24-hour Universal Aircraft Maintenance Hub at Tamale International Airport (TML) to tap into the global aviation income stream of $3.5 Trillion. Tamale, long recognized as the commercial and administrative heartbeat of Northern Ghana, is strategically positioned for the airline’s maintenance hub to serve not only the country but also the wider African region, where demand for world-class aviation maintenance facilities is rapidly growing. This development will embody a broader national ambition of transforming the country into a hub of economic activity, job creation, and innovation. The airline will acquire certification from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), and Authorized Training Center status.
Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and belly of America, through its efforts to improve the business environment, will boost trade and investment opportunities for both United States and African businesses, help Ghana attract more foreign direct investment, and improve revenue mobilization. The initiative will better position Ghana to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by increasing awareness among U.S. investors and across the continent to support the trade area’s success. Without improvements in Ghana’s business environment, the Ghanaian private sector and United States business engagement will remain stifled, and the country’s vulnerable fiscal position will continue to deter foreign direct investment. Without such reforms, unemployment and poverty will continue to undermine Ghana’s economic growth.
Ultimately, the United States Thanksgiving season reminds Goldstar Air of the timeless truth that the belly is the center of human existence. It is where hunger meets satisfaction, where gratitude becomes tangible, and where love takes physical form. For Goldstar Air, cherishing the belly means cherishing the essence of humanity itself. It means serving with compassion, giving with abundance, and connecting with authenticity. Just as families gather each November to give thanks for their blessings, Goldstar Air will continue to give thanks through its actions and fulfill the dreams of those who trust it to carry them safely across the skies.
Thanksgiving mirrors the airline’s journey in every sense, a journey fueled by gratitude, sustained by nourishment, and defined by service. As the season comes around each year, it reminds Goldstar Air that to serve is to give, to give is to love, and to love is to strengthen the belly, the very source of life’s vitality and joy. Through this understanding, the airline reaffirms its commitment to hospitality, sustainability, and cultural pride, knowing that as long as the belly remains the symbolic eagle’s strength, strong and cherished, the human spirit will continue to soar, just like Goldstar Air across the world’s skies.
Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and the belly of America, through its 24-hour service, is committed to providing scheduled passenger and cargo services to North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Initial destinations from Ghana include Washington, Rhode Island, London, Dubai, Guangzhou, Toronto, Milan, Hamburg, Madrid, Rome, Düsseldorf, Lagos, Freetown, Banjul, Conakry, Dakar, Monrovia, and Abidjan. Direct non-stop services will be implemented where necessary, with further expansion to the Caribbean and Latin America.
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