Meet the AWA Leadership

We’ve got an entire team dedicated to supporting you and your business.

Board of Directors

Togbe Afede XIV

Board Chairman

Togbe Afede XIV — Board Chairman

Togbe Afede XIV is the Founder of Africa World Airlines. He has been on the board since 2011 and became Co-chairman in 2014. He is an astute investment banker and the CEO of SAS Finance Group. He is an illustrious son of Ghana holding the following positions among others; the Paramount Chief of Asogli State, the President of the National House of Chiefs and a member of the Council of State.

He serves on a number of boards and notable among them are, Accra Hearts of Oak and Pioneer Kitchenware Ltd.
He is also a board member of Sunon Asogli Power Plant (Ghana) Ltd and The World Trade Centre (Accra) and the immediate past Chairman of the Board of National Investment Bank. He holds an MBA (Finance) Degree from the Yale School of Management, USA and BSc (Hons) degree in Administration, Accounting option from the University of Ghana, Legon.

Luolin Cui

Chief Executive Officer

Luolin Cui — Chief Executive Officer

Luolin Cui is a seasoned marketing professional with a rich academic background and extensive experience in the aviation industry. He holds a Master’s degree in Internet Marketing from Beihang University, which he completed in February 2021.

Before that, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Russian language and literature from Xi’an International Studies University in July 2010. This diverse educational foundation has equipped him with a unique perspective and a strong skill set that he has applied throughout his career.

Currently, Luolin serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Africa World Airlines, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the airline’s strategic vision and leading its growth in the competitive aviation market. In this capacity, he focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, expanding route networks, and strengthening customer relations to position Africa World Airlines as a leading carrier in the region.

Before assuming his role as CEO, Luolin was the Deputy General Manager of the International Department at Hainan Airlines, a position he held since January 2024. Before this, he served as the Vice President of Marketing at GX Airlines from March 2023 to January 2024, where he led initiatives to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.

His journey in the aviation sector began at Hainan Airlines, where he worked as the Manager of the Overseas Office within the Marketing Department from August 2010 to June 2022. During this time, he developed a deep understanding of international markets and honed his expertise in marketing strategies tailored to diverse audiences. He further advanced his career at GX Airlines as the Manager of the Administrative Office, where he coordinated internal operations and streamlined processes to improve overall efficiency.

With a strong command of Internet marketing and big data analytics, Luolin is committed to leveraging data-driven insights to inform marketing decisions and drive business growth. He is fluent in both English and Russian, which allows him to navigate complex international landscapes and foster meaningful connections with clients and partners across the globe.

Mr. Peng Xuwei

Board Member

Mr. Peng Xuwei — Board Member

Mr. Peng Xuwei was appointed to the board of Africa World Airlines in 2012. He is a Project Manager for Cadfund, a position he has held since 2010.

Mr. Peng started his career with Lundun Development Company as an Analyst.

He holds a Master’s Degree from Birmingham University and a 1st degree from Peking University.

Executive Management

Luolin Cui

Chief Executive Officer

Luolin Cui — Chief Executive Officer

Zhang Sheng

Chief Finance Officer

Zhang Sheng — Chief Finance Officer

Mr. Zhang Sheng was appointed Chief Finance Officer for Africa World Airlines in June 2022. Prior to that, he was the CADFUND representative in the Kenya Office. His previous jobs were with CADFUND in their Research Department and subsequently the Audit Department.

Mr. Zhang Sheng holds an MSc in Finance from the Nanyang Technological University and a Bachelor’s in Management in Accounting from the Zhongnan University of Economics and Law

Zhenzhou Lian

Chief Safety Officer

Zhenzhou Lian — Chief Safety Officer

Mr. Zhenzhou Lian joined Africa World Airlines in May 2022. He is a product of the Civil Aviation University of China.

He brings to the role a rich experience in management from the North China Base of HNA Technic.

Andy Zhang

Vice President

Andy Zhang — Vice President

Zhang Andy is a dedicated aviation professional with a robust background in quality management and safety oversight within the maintenance sector. He graduated from the Air Force Engineering University in June 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in electric engineering and automation. This solid academic foundation has served as a springboard for a successful career in the aviation industry.

Currently, Zhang serves as the Vice President of Africa World Airlines (AWA), where he plays a crucial role in shaping the airline’s operational strategies and enhancing overall performance. His leadership is instrumental in ensuring that AWA adheres to the highest standards of safety and quality in its operations, positioning the airline for growth in the competitive aviation market.
Before assuming his role as Vice President, Zhang was the Manager of the Quality Management Department at the Northwest Maintenance Base of HNA Technic from February 2016 to October 2023. In this capacity, he was responsible for implementing quality control processes and driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced safety and efficiency in maintenance operations.
Prior to that, Zhang managed line maintenance at the Chongqing maintenance base of HNA Technic from March 2015 to February 2016. His focus on maintaining aircraft to the highest safety and performance standards significantly contributed to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Zhang also served as the Manager of the Safety Management Center within the Quality Management Department at HNA Technic from September 2014 to March 2015. In this role, he developed and implemented safety management systems that proactively identified and mitigated risks associated with maintenance operations, reflecting his unwavering commitment to safety in the aviation sector.
Fluent in English, Zhang possesses excellent communication skills that facilitate collaboration with international teams and stakeholders. His technical expertise, combined with his extensive management experience, positions him as a valuable asset in the aviation industry.

Senior Management

Josephine Esinam Ahadjie

Head of Security

Josephine Esinam Ahadjie — Head of Security

Josephine Esinam Ahadjie (Ms) joined Africa World Airlines (AWA) on March 1, 2011, as a key member of the start-up team. With over 28 years of experience in the aviation industry, she has established herself as a highly skilled and dedicated professional.

Ms. Ahadjie began her career with Ghana Airways as a junior cabin crew member and quickly rose through the ranks to become a purser. She was later selected as one of the pioneering cabin crew members for Ghana International Airlines. She has extensive operational experience on various aircraft, including the DC9, DC10, B767, B757, and the Embraer 145.

She holds prestigious cabin crew attestations from Icelandair and Astraeus Airlines, UK, as well as a Cabin Crew License from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), USA. Additionally, Ms. Ahadjie served as a Customer Service Executive at Aviance Ghana, where she was assigned to EgyptAir, further enhancing her skills in customer relations and operational efficiency.

During her tenure as Manager, Cabin Services at AWA, Ms. Ahadjie was responsible for the recruitment, training, and operational oversight of cabin crew. She successfully developed and secured regulatory approval for essential operational manuals and played a key role in multiple IOSA audits, ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards.

Ms. Ahadjie transitioned to ground operations and security, serving as Head of Ground Handling before her appointment as Head of Aviation Security in August 2022. In this capacity, she has successfully reviewed and obtained approval for AWA’s Security Program and represented the airline during the ICAO USAP-CM security audit of Ghana in 2024. As the lead for Security Management Systems (SeMS) administration, she actively engages with government authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance with aviation security regulations.

Andrew Asante-Amankwah

Head of Safety

Andrew Asante-Amankwah — Head of Safety

Andrew is a dedicated aviation professional with extensive experience in safety management, compliance, and training. His passion for aviation safety and commitment to maintaining the highest standards drive his work. With expertise in safety management systems, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices, Andrew excels at navigating complex challenges and implementing effective risk mitigation strategies. His goal is to continuously improve safety practices and contribute positively to the aviation industry.

Experience

As the Head of Safety at Africa World Airlines Limited since June 2024, Andrew oversees safety management systems, develops and implements safety protocols, and coordinates with stakeholders to ensure compliance with international safety standards.

From March 2023 to the present, in his role as Safety Manager (Audits), Andrew has maintained and monitored safety metrics, conducted safety audits and investigations, and facilitated cross-department communication for improved safety integration.

Since May 2018, Andrew has served as a Safety Management Systems Trainer, planning and conducting SMS training through various methodologies and implementing risk assessments to enhance safety.

Between December 2017 and February 2023, Andrew worked as a Flight Operations Manager. In this role, he oversaw flight planning, crew training, and regulatory compliance, leading a team to optimize operational efficiency.

From August 2015 to February 2023, Andrew was an IATA Certified Internal Quality and Safety Auditor. He conducted quality audits, ensured compliance with industry standards, and participated in the development of the Flight Data Analysis system.

In addition to these roles, Andrew has experience as a Flight Operations Supervisor and is an FAA Licensed Flight Operations Officer.

Education

Andrew holds a B.Sc. in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from the University College of Management Studies. He also earned a Diploma Certification in Aircraft Dispatching from the Sheffield School of Aeronautics in Florida, USA, and is an Airman Certified Aircraft Dispatcher through the Federal Aviation Administration, USA.

Aviation Training and Qualifications

Andrew has completed various aviation training programs and qualifications, including IATA Instructional Techniques, IATA Train the Trainer, IATA Developing an Effective Safety Culture, IATA Safety Performance Indicators, IATA Safety Management Systems (SMS) – Implementation and Control, IATA Safety Risk Management, IOSA Airline Auditor Training, IATA Root Cause Analysis, Introduction to IOSA, Train the Trainer (Cranfield Aviation Training – Johannesburg, South Africa), IATA Aviation Internal Auditor, Quality Management (QMS) for Airlines, and he is a Licensed Aircraft Dispatcher with both the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Aviation Administration, USA. Additionally, he is type rated on ERJ 145/130 by Embraer and on E-JETS by Embraer.

Charles Richardson

Head of Quality

Charles Richardson — Head of Quality

Charles Richardson, is a seasoned professional with over twenty-five years of experience in aircraft maintenance engineering. Married and with a keen interest in reading, sports, and music, Richardson brings a wealth of skills and expertise to the table.

With a B.Sc. (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, Richardson has continuously pursued professional development, obtaining various licenses and certifications such as the UK CAA Aircraft Maintenance Engineers’ Licence and EASA 66 B1 Licence conversion.

His career journey commenced as an assistant engineer at Zenith Engineering Services, Accra, Ghana, where he engaged in mechanical service design and supervision. Richardson then transitioned to the aviation industry, undertaking roles ranging from trainee aircraft engineer at Ghana Airways Ltd. to line maintenance engineer positions at renowned airlines like KLM Line Maintenance International and Etihad Airways.

Throughout his career, Richardson has demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting, defect rectification, and aircraft inspections. He has played pivotal roles in technical coordination during maintenance visits and has a track record of effective management of material and human resources to achieve organizational objectives.

In his most recent roles, Richardson has excelled as a Quality Assurance Manager and Acting Head of Quality at Africa World Airlines, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, company standards, and customer expectations. His dedication to excellence, coupled with his ability to build strong working relationships and lead teams to success, makes him a valuable asset to any organization in the aviation sector.

Capt. Francis Kudjawu

Chief Pilot

Capt. Francis Kudjawu — Chief Pilot

Capt. Francis Kudjawu is a proud alumnus of St Augustine’s College, Cape Coast. He furthered his education in Georgia, USA, where he obtained his Commercial Pilot License. He proceeded to the United Kingdom, to acquire his Civil Aviation Authority Air Transport Pilots License. Francis joined Ghana Airways where he flew for 12 years before the Airline became defunct. He continued his career in the Middle East, flew for 7 years before joining AWA in June 2014.

Francis also served as the Vice President for the International Federation of Airline Pilots (West Africa) from 2000 to 2006. Shortly after joining AWA, he was appointed the Flight Standard and Training Officer a position he held for over 2 years before being appointed to his current position as the Chief Pilot.
Francis has type training on DC 9, DC 10, SAAB Francis has type training on DC 9, DC 10, SAAB 340, A320 and ERJ 145. He has an accumulated flying experience of 25 years.

Capt. Ivan Ayeh Nartey

Head of Flight Operations

Capt. Ivan Ayeh Nartey — Head of Flight Operations

Capt. Ivan Ayeh Nartey was appointed Head, Flight Operations on 1st September, 2016 having previously been engaged as Chief Pilot for Africa World Airlines. He has been a management pilot for Africa World Airlines for the past 6 years in his 17years career as a pilot. He also holds the position as E145 TRI (Type-rating Instructor) & TRE (Type-rating Examiner).

It is worth mentioning that Capt. Nartey was a key member of the start-up team of AWA and one of the key members who worked towards achieving IOSA certification for AWA. He has ratings on B757/767, DC9/MD 80, and EMB135/145. Prior to joining AWA, he was with Ghana International Airlines, Global Aviation Operations Ltd- South Africa and Ghana Airways.
Capt. Ivan Nartey trained at the Oxford Aviation Training School (OATS, UK) from where he obtained his initial CPL/ATPL with MCC License, and holds a BSc (Hons) in Geodetic Engineering from KNUST. He is also a product of Achimota School, Accra.

Moses Othniel-Moses

Head of Procurement

Moses Othniel-Moses — Head of Procurement

Moses Othniel-Moses was tasked to identify some key experts to set up Africa World Airlines when the idea was mooted by Togbe Afede XIV in October, 2010. After this had been successfully achieved, he was later appointed as the Head of Ground Operations and Aviation Security on 1st December, 2010, a role which was later decoupled as Ground Handling and Aviation Security Departments due to industry requirements.

He was later appointed as the Director of Aviation Security due to his extensive knowledge in advance intelligence and security operations as well as Aviation Security Management from NACOB and Ghana International Airlines respectively. In August, 2015, when the company could not resist the expansion plotted by the business plan, management re-assigned him to the Ground Operations Department when a vacuum was created by his predecessor. He is responsible for the management and operations of all domestic (ACC, KMS, TML and TKD) and international stations (LOS). He is a member of the team that led the company to attain its IOSA certification.
Due to his multi-talents and innovative ideas, he has successfully managed the GRH department with great technological and innovative management solutions resulting in substantial cost-savings to company. He is also credited with AWA domestic travel insurance that will take care of all passenger claims. This is expected to take effect very soon.
When another vacuum was created in charter contracts/tendering, he was again assigned that responsibility in September, 2015, and together with a team, they successfully sealed and operationalized two high-value charter deals with SUBSEA7 and TECHNIP and successfully negotiated extension of those contracts. He is still actively working to secure more Oil and Gas Producers’ (OGP) charter contracts.
He has led his ground operations team to successfully manage all high-profile charters for heads of governments or their representatives such the Presidents of Ghana and Liberia, The Governor–General of Canada, The Prince of Wessex (UK) and an Israeli Foreign Minister among others. He is so restless for AWA’s success that he lives by an adopted slogan which says, “if there’s any door that cannot be opened by us, then that door does not exist”. He is a go-getter, very resourceful, an astute communicator, an intelligent negotiator with smart innovative ideas.
Moses Othniel-Moses currently holds IATA certifications in Aviation Security Management as well as Ground Operations Management. He also holds a Master of Arts in Communications, Media Studies and Public Relations from the University of LEICESTER, UK. He is an affiliate member of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana and a member of the Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA).

Benjamin Oti

Head of Engineering

Benjamin Oti — Head of Engineering

Mr. Benjamin Oti has been the Head of Engineering, Africa World Airlines from April, 2011 to date and was a member of the start-up team that established the Engineering Department prior to commencing operations. He has over 24 years’ Airline Engineering experience. Prior to joining Africa World Airlines, he worked with Ghana International Airlines, Indianapolis Marion County Public Library, United Airlines, Indianapolis, Tower Airlines, JFK, New York.

Mr. Benjamin Oti holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from College of Aeronautic, La Guardia Airport. He has Licenses and Certification in the following: Airframe & Powerplant License (F.A.A), General Radiotelephone Operators License (F.C.C.), Theory Mechanical B1 & Avionics B2 Boeing 767-200/300 (U.K. C. A. A.), ERJ -145 B1 & B2 – Engine Run-Up.

Gwillym Odartei Lamptey

Cabin Services Manager

Gwillym Odartei Lamptey — Cabin Services Manager

Gwillym Odartei Lamptey has over 13 years’ experience in the industry and over 3 years in the role of a Cabin Trainer. From 2006 to 2010, Gwillym worked with Ghana International Airlines as a Cabin Crew Member. In 2011, he moved on to Aero Surveys limited as a purser where he performed Cabin crew duties and all other inflight services with aircraft type rating on BAe 146.

Gwillym joined Africa World Airlines in 2014 as an Internal auditor and Cabin trainer. In this role he performed operational audits in the cabin services department and also ensured that the airline maintained a near excellent conformance report based on IOSA standards. He organized cabin crew online trainings for new cabin crew and also for crew who require requalification to fly.

As well as cabin crew duties and all other inflight services with aircraft type rating on EMB 145. Gwillym handled supervisory responsibilities in the cabin as senior cabin crew 1 and by extension as cabin trainer. His good work ethic and hard work has earned Gwillym the appointment of Acting Cabin Services Manager.