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Captain Solomon Quainoo on Friday 29th June 2019, won the BALAFON Aviation Man of the Year in West Africa award at an event dubbed "Accra Weizo" which is organized by ATQ News at the La Palm Beach Resort.

The awards was instituted by the publishers of ATQ News in 2009, is said to recognize companies and individuals who have excelled and contributed immensely to the growth of Aviation, Travel, Tourism and Hotel business in West Africa.

Captain Solomon Quainoo made history by being the first pilot and African to fly Emirates flagship double-decker aircraft A380 to Ghana's Kotoka International Airport newly constructed Terminal 3 (T3), in October 2018 to a rousing welcome by Koforidua Sectech Old Student Association.

This feat of landing the biggest commercial passenger aircraft ever brought high euphoria into the Country, and trended for several weeks across varied media networks and platforms.

Being the first Ghanaian ever to fly such mammoth aircraft and landing it in the country of his birth for the first time, served as motivation and a symbol of determination for many people especially the youth. This as well goes a long way to deepen the growth in the country's aviation industry.

Receiving the award on his behalf, Scofray Nana Yaw Yeboah said that Captain Quainoo feels humbled and grateful for the award, he is equally grateful to Emirates Airlines for giving him a springboard to something greater and make meaningful impact.

To him, he sees this recognition as a morale booster to his dedication to unearth and mentor young Ghanaians who have interest to pursue careers in the aviation industry. And that any young one who would be interested in his mentorship should follow and contact him via his social media handles (Instagram : @captquainoo_380 and Facebook : www.facebook.com/solomon.quainoo.79).

In this regard, captain is in serious talks with other industry players across the globe to set up an aviation club in senior high schools in Ghana for a start, to mentor and build young ones who would wish to become experts in the aviation industry.

This is one way to demonstrate his commitment to give back to the country of his birth and Africa as a whole.