RwandAir suspends flights to Mwanza effective June 1st 2015.
Kigali, June 1st 2015 – RwandAir, the national flag carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, regrets to announce the suspension of flights to Mwanza effective June 1st 2015. The equipment which was operated on the Kamembe route was deployed to Mwanza as the airline decided to re-launch the route and gauge it for possible sustainable operations.
“Our plan was to commence Kamembe when we received our second Bombardier Q400NextGen and continue to grow Mwanza, however the latter did not improve much since it’s first month, thus our decision to suspend the operations to cut our loss”, said Gobena Mikael, General Manager Commercial.
Upon the closure of flights, RwandAir contacted and assisted all booked passengers ahead of time to mitigate frustration and the airline representative in Mwanza approached our trade partners and pledged continuous support from our Arusha and Dar es Salaam offices as well as the Head Office in Kigali.
RwandAir plans to serve the Mwanza route in conjunction with other carriers in the future.
RwandAir is in the process of renovating and upgrading its (UTC) Sales Office to give you better service. We apologize for creating any inconvenience to you during this time.
Wednesday the 17th of June 2015 as we will be finalizing the works by spray painting the walls, for health reasons the office will remain closed.
On the 17th June 2015, we will be serving you from the sales office located at Kigali International Airport – Arrivals Terminal, reachable at 0732154018. You may also contact our Call Centre 0788177000 or your preferred travel agency.
Thank you for your continued support
JOHN MIRENGE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
On 25 June 2015, right before the delivery of the second brand new Bombardier Q400 NextGen, RwandAir signed a financial deal with Preferential Trade Area Bank (PTA) worth US $160 million.
This loan will enable the airline to acquire new aircraft, which will increase capacity for the Dubai route as well as meet growing demand from European and Asian markets. The addition of the new Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A330-300 will be made possible through the loan and take RwandAir’s young fleet from 8 to 10 aircraft in 2016.
“We are honoured to have PTA Bank as our long-term and dependable partner to support our growth strategy. The new acquisition shall enable us to enhance and spread our world-class products and services beyond our current footprint,” said John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir.
Speaking about the agreement, PTA Bank President Admassu Tadesse said, “We were delighted to have the opportunity to close this important financing for RwandAir and contribute to Rwanda’s economic development and the delivery against transport and infrastructure components of the government’s Vision 2020.
RwandAir is an existing PTA Bank client and as part of its fleet expansion strategy, the airline is planning to purchase two Airbus A330 passenger aircraft at a total cost of about US $160 million.”
The PTA Bank financing is an important contribution to RwandAir’s long-term success and sustainability and the airline is pleased to be working in partnership with the bank to achieve our expansion goals.
RWANDAIR SELECTS ROLLS-ROYCE TRENT 700 ENGINES
Kigali July 27th 2015 – Rolls-Royce has been selected by RwandAir to supply Trent 700 engines to power two Airbus A330 aircraft. The agreement makes RwandAir a new Rolls-Royce customer.
John Mirenge, RwandAir, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We look forward to working with Rolls-Royce as the Trent 700 delivers efficient, reliable power for new aircraft that will open up new routes to Asia and Europe”.
Dominic Horwood, Rolls-Royce, Chief Customer Officer – Civil Large Engines, said: “We welcome RwandAir to the Rolls-Royce family of customers and are proud to power its first selection of wide body aircraft.”
The Trent 700 delivers the best fuel burn, emissions and noise performance, resulting in market leadership on the aircraft. The engine has won more than 60 per cent of new orders over the last three years and accounts for a similar percentage on future A330ceo deliveries. In the A330 freighter market, the Trent 700 now accounts for 90 per cent of aircraft in service and on order.
The two Airbus A330 – 200 /300 will be designed in triple class configuration and shall enable the expansion of RwandAir services to Asia and Europe in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
RwandAir firms-up order for two Airbus A330 Family aircraft
The Airline will be East Africa’s first to benefit from the A330s proven efficiency
RwandAir, the national flag carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, has signed a firm contract with Airbus for an A330-200 and a larger A330-300, at a signature ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda. With this order RwandAir becomes a new Airbus customer and is the first East African customer for the long-haul airliner. This agreement firms up a commitment announced earlier this year.
This month, the airline obtained its ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations) certification in addition to the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certificate which was renewed mid this year.
Aircraft deliveries will begin in the second half of 2016, enabling the country’s carrier to deploy its new flagship aircraft on medium and long-haul routes serving destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The two aircraft will feature a three class cabin layouts. The A330-200 will have 244 seats (20 business class, 21 premium and 203 economy class) and the A330-300 will have 274 seats (30 business class, 21 premium and 223 economy class). The aircraft will be equipped with Rolls Royce Trent 772B engines.
“As we look to introduce wide body aircraft for the first time into our fleet, with its proven economics, reliability and passenger comfort, we have found the A330 to perfectly support our plans to expand into Europe and Asia, to enhance our regional presence, to open up new routes and to grow our market share. We are also delighted to have these aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce, as the Trent 700 engine delivers the most efficient and reliable power, and will maximize the revenue earning potential of our new aircraft’’ said John Mirenge, Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir.
“We are extremely pleased that RwandAir has confirmed its confidence in the A330, and are happy to welcome them as a new A330 customer,” said Christopher Buckley, Executive Vice President, Africa, Europe and Asia Pacific. “Their Passengers will enjoy best-in-class passenger comfort that only Airbus offers as well as the newest state of the art in-flight entertainment system. RwandAir will be able to benefit with the A330s from the unique combination of unbeatable economics, versatility and fuel efficiency.”
To date the A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, has attracted more than 1,500 orders and around 1,200 A330s are flying worldwide with over 100 operators. Ever since the original A330-300 entered service, its hallmarks are its very efficient operating economics, innovative cabin features, while offering passengers much wider economy-class seats than any competing aircraft. Moreover, with numerous product improvements and with an operational reliability of 99.4 percent, the A330 is the most cost-efficient and capable aircraft in its class.
From Kigali as its hub in the heart of Africa, RwandAir is one of the fastest growing airlines and operates one of the youngest fleet on the African continent.
The airline which is also well reputed for an excellent on time performance, reaches out to eighteen cities in Western, Eastern and Southern Africa and the Middle East.
RwandAir recent major milestone is the passing of the IATA Operational Safety Audit which resulted in the acquisition of the IOSA certificate. The airline’s commitment to operate with the highest and international industry safety standards continues with the pursue of another certification, the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations expected to be completed by June 2016.
The United Nations has declared Unrestricted Use of RwandAir by its Staff
Kigali, October 26th 2015 – RwandAir, the national carrier of the Republic of Rwanda is one of the fastest growing airlines in Africa. It is committed to operating at international safety standards and its safety records are at the highest levels in the industry. It’s with this same spirit that RwandAir pursued the IOSA certification and successfully passed the stringent IATA Operational Safety Audit in 2014. Consequently RwandAir became a fully certified IATA member.
“We strive to maintain the highest safety standards by investing in people and the right infrastructure,” said Mr. Jean Paul Nyirubutama, RwandAir Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer.
Recently this year the United Nations have commended RwandAir’s safety record and lifted its ban for official staff travel. “I am pleased to note that after our strong advocacy underpinned by RwandAir’s excellent safety record, the UN declared its unrestricted use by its staff”; said Lamin Manneh, the UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda.
Note to Editors:
From Kigali as its hub in the heart of Africa, RwandAir operates one of the youngest fleet on the African continent which is well reputed for an excellent on time performance and reaches out to seventeen cities in Western, Eastern and Southern Africa and the Middle East.
The airline is undergoing the certification process for the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations for which the completion is expected by June 2016.
As part of RwandAir expansion strategy the airline expects the delivery of two brand new triple class Airbus A330s expected to be delivered in 2016 for Asia and Europe services.
RwandAir has been running a public campaign for eight days in early October called #YiteNawe (RwandAir aircraft naming) to help get suitable names for the two newly acquired Airbus’ that we will be receiving next year.
We are glad to say that the public engagement was great, as we received almost 1000 messages through social media and text, giving us a wide variety of names.
We ended the campaign with a raffle live on Rwanda Television last Saturday, October 10th 2015. Among the guests who attended the ceremony were; our Deputy CEO- Mr. Jean Paul Nyirubutama, Miss Rwanda 2015, Ms. Doriane Kundwa, a well-known Rwandan artist King James and a presenter by the name of Ms. Anita Pendo.
The criteria for the selection of the names were as follows;
·A Kinyarwanda name with the following meaning;
·A Rwandan land mark
·Cultural value
·Lake
·River
·Forest
·Volcano
Below are the two selected names with their meanings:
The A330-200 will be called Ubumwe, which means “Unity” as the vision of Rwanda is to be one nation working in Unity for a brighter future
The A330-300 will be called Umurage, meaning “Legacy” where RwandAir shares the gift of Rwandan warm hospitality and culture throughout its destinations.These names will be painted on both sides of the aircraft.
The winners were Hakizimfura Thierry and Ayinkamiye Therese who received a week-end getaway to Mombasa (both receiving two tickets, airport transfers to and from the hotel and accommodation paid for).
African Airlines Association (AFRAA) 47th AGA, Brazzaville, 8-10 November 2015 – RwandAir will become the fourth African airline to choose SITAONAIR as its connectivity provider. RwandAir has two A330s, both of which will be line fitted with mobile phone and Wi-Fi services. The first A330 will be delivered in October 2016.
SITAONAIR is the leading inflight connectivity provider in Africa, with more airline customers in the region than any other provider.
RwandAir is an international airline flying to all parts of Africa and the Middle East. It needs to offer passengers with consistent inflight connectivity coverage wherever it flies. SITAONAIR connectivity uses Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband, which provides consistent global coverage, along with an option to upgrade to GX Aviation when it comes to market, in 2016. Combined with SITAONAIR’s worldwide network of regulatory authorizations, this means SITAONAIR can provide RwandAir’s passengers exactly the same level of service on both African and Middle Eastern routes.
“With connectivity expanding in the African aviation market and RwandAir continuously trailing blazes in customer services automation, it is imperative for RwandAir to be among the first airlines to offer mobile phone and Wi-Fi services to passengers travelling in the Central- Eastern part of Africa,” said Jean Paul Nyirubutama, Deputy CEO & COO of RwandAir. “With SITAONAIR, we can provide our esteemed customers with the connectivity they expect from us, as well as formulate a plan for the easy upgrade to GX Aviation when it becomes available.’
“African carriers are choosing SITAONAIR because of our proven credentials in the region and around the globe,” said Stephan Egli, Regional Commercial VP, ME&A of SITAONAIR. “Only we can deliver the consistent global coverage that passengers want, so they can stay in touch with the family, friends and colleagues throughout their journey.”
SITAONAIR’s SwiftBroadband solution has a clear upgradable path to GX Aviation, Inmarsat’s imminent high speed network. SITAONAIR’s service is ready for the next major step in inflight connectivity.
On November 13th 2015, RwandAir and the Rwanda Cycling Federation signed a partnership agreement in support of the cycling sport in Rwanda by the airline.
For the second consecutive year, the airline will support the federation in the provision of air transportation services to organizers, riders, and their equipment to participate in the various competitions taking place across the seventeen routes operated by the airline.
The signing takes place two days to the start of the 7th edition of Tour of Rwanda, the 928.4KM race during which Team Muhabura one of the teams representing Rwanda will proudly wear the airline’s branded jerseys.
The “Union Cycliste Internationale” (UCI) rated race has become one of the country’s major sporting events and one of the most important African competitions on the cycling calendar.
“RwandAir is proud to be associated with the Rwanda Cycling Federation and commends the achievements done in developing cycling and making Rwanda famous,” said Jean Paul Nyirubutama, RwandAir Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer.
“ We are pleased with this renewed partnership and grateful to the national carrier’s support as our participation in the various international competitions helped us in achieving great milestones which improved our UCI Africa Tour rankings and could lead to Olympics qualifications, ” said Aimable Bayingana, Rwanda Cycling Federation Chairman
This year’s race will be a chance for the sport fans to see famous riders from Africa, America, and Europe in action competing across the thousand hills of our country.
RwandAir one of the fastest growing airlines on the continent continues to take pride in supporting various Rwandan and African sporting initiatives as part of its’ Corporate Social Responsibility program touching all the 14 countries served by the airline.
Note to editors:
From Kigali as its hub in the heart of Africa, RwandAir an IOSA operator, and full IATA airline member operates one of the youngest fleet on the African continent and is well reputed for an excellent on time performance. The airline reaches out to seventeen cities in Western, Eastern and Southern Africa and the Middle East.
As part of RwandAir expansion strategy the airline expects the delivery of two brand new triple class Airbus A330s expected to be delivered in 2016 for Asia and Europe services.
Since Safety remains the top priority for RwandAir’s best practices, the airline is undergoing the enhancement process of the IATA Operational Safety Audit certification as well as the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations for which the completion is expected by mid 2016.
RwandAir DreamMiles launches GlobalTravelWallet
RwandAir’s Loyalty Programme adds a reloadable Visa Prepaid Card Feature to its membership cards to facilitate DreamMiles on Debit Purchases and Currency Exchange on the Go!
RwandAir DreamMiles, the award-winning airline loyalty programme, and Card Programs International (CPI), a card programme management and product innovations company, have partnered with Ecobank, the leading Pan African Bank, to launch the new RwandAir DreamMiles GlobalTravelWallet™ card. The card includes a reloadable prepaid Visa account feature that lets travellers earn Dream Miles as they shop at Visa merchants worldwide. The RwandAir DreamMiles GlobalTravelWallet™ card is the first product of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.
RwandAir DreamMiles members in Rwanda will begin receiving their new DreamMiles card with GlobalTravelWallet™ in June. The roll-out of cards to RwandAir DreamMiles members in other countries will take place shortly after. RwandAir DreamMiles loyalty programme members already enjoy industry recognized benefits such as reward miles on every flight, lounge access, extra baggage allowance, guaranteed seating options, priority check-in and boarding, and more. Members will also start to earn and redeem miles with RwandAir partner airlines, as well as with over other non-airline partners soon.
The new GlobalTravelWallet™ feature adds payment functionality and other member benefits to the award-winning RwandAir DreamMiles card. This includes the revolutionary miles to money programme allowing cardholders to convert their miles to cash using the new UniversalRedemption™ capability, as well as bonus miles for RwandAir ticket purchases and everyday purchases.
Later in the year, RwandAir DreamMiles members will be able to download the GlobalTravelWallet™ mobile application, available for iOS and Android users. Through the app, users can access their account balance and transaction history, transfer money to other DreamMiles members with an activated GlobalTravelWallet™ account (RWF only), review where to load options, and report a card lost or stolen.
Jean Paul Nyirubutama, RwandAir Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer, said, “The new RwandAir Dream Miles loyalty programme provides features and benefits that enhance the value to its members. The new innovative RwandAir DreamMiles GlobalTravelWallet™ card combines the functionality of a reloadable payment card with the benefits of DreamMiles membership in a single piece of plastic, a first in loyalty and travel payments in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
RwandAir DreamMiles partnered with CPI to develop the product and handle management of the program, utilizing CPI’s proprietary prepaid currency platform and global experience pioneering similar products.
“When we partnered with RwandAir, we were confident that we were working with a partner whose mantra is to deliver world class service to its customers,” said Segun Oni, Chief Executive Officer, Card Programs International, adding “we have an alignment on the values of meeting our customers’ needs.”
The new RwandAir DreamMiles GlobalTravelWallet™ prepaid Visa is issued in collaboration with Ecobank. Mareme Ndiaye, Managing Director of Ecobank Rwanda, said, “This is a highly innovative product and the first of its kind in the region. Ecobank is proud to assist RwandAir in developing a multi-functional card, which vividly demonstrates Ecobank’s ground-breaking product development capabilities.”
To learn more about the new RwandAir DreamMiles GlobalTravelWallet™ programme, complete list of features and benefits, including fees, terms and conditions, please visit: https://dreammiles.frequentflyer.aero/dreammiles.
SAFETY – OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY
RwandAir is committed to world-class safety standards and works hard to ensure every journey for every passenger is a great one. At the end of 2014, the airline successfully achieved the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). This makes RwandAir one of the safest airlines in the world and allowed the airline to join IATA as a full member.
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, RwandAir will undergo the IOSA renewal audit in the first quarter of 2016. This is part of our commitment to industry best practice as we strive to meet the structured audit methodology and standardised checklists of the audit.
The IOSA is continuously updated to reflect regulatory revisions and industry best practice. This means that RwandAir is always at forefront of global safety standards. To maintain the trust of you, our valued customers, we will always keep a high level of safety and ensure we are fully IOSA accredited.
About IOSA
The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program is an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. All IATA members are IOSA registered and must remain registered to maintain IATA membership.
RWANDAIR TRAINEE PILOTS GRADUATE FROM FLIGHT SCHOOL IN ETHIOPIA
Nine Rwandan trainee pilots have graduated from Africa’s leading aviation training centre, the Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy. The pilots graduated alongside 14 pilots, 53 aviation technicians, 38 marketing agents and 38 cabin crew at a ceremony held at the Ethiopian Airlines headquarters in January.
The Ethiopian Airlines Aviation Academy is a full ICAO TRAINAR Plus member and International Air Transport Association authorised global training centre. The nine Rwandan graduates, including three females, are set to join the RwandAir team.
During the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said, “Ethiopian Airlines believes in the potential of African aviation and is strategically positioning itself to train African youth in the latest aviation technology and latest aviation skills to own, manage and operate their own indigenous home grown African airlines to lead a safe, secure, economical and reliable aviation industry with global standards. Today, we have amongst us nine pilots from Rwanda standing together with their Ethiopian brothers and sisters in the graduation ceremony.”
As the aviation sector develops across the continent, RwandAir continues to encourage young Rwandans to be part of their country’s aviation sector by gaining skills and experience.
“I am proud of all the graduates, and especially the Rwandan trainee pilots. This is yet another milestone for RwandAir and even more so for aviation in Rwanda. These graduates are part and parcel of a long-term plan to meet our strategic goals as well as contribute to the development of our national carrier,” said John Mirenge, RwandAir CEO.
These nine trainee pilots from Rwanda include: