Second largest city in Tanzania served 3 times a week from Kigali
Kigali, 2nd of July 2012
RwandAir, the national carrier of Rwanda and Africa’s fastest growing airline, launched direct flights from Kigali to Mwanza, the rock city of Tanzania today. Mwanza is the 3rd destination for the airline in Tanzania and the 14th destination in its rapidly growing network. The three weekly flights will depart from Kigali at 11:15 HRS (Local Time) and arrive in Mwanza at 13:15HRS (Local Time). The return flights depart from Mwanza at 13:45HRS (Local Time) to reach Kigali at 13:45HRS (Local Time).
In a statement to the press, RwandAir CEO John Mirenge said: “Our aim is to build a convenient network for our clients and expand our operations to key cities in the region. Mwanza doesn’t have many direct flights, as most passengers connect through Dar es Salaam. From today, we offer travelers a much more convenient product by connecting through Kigali. We are happy to offer a new alternative .
Onboard the first from Kigali to Mwanza today were many invited guests from the Diplomatic, Business, Travel and Tourism communities from both countries, Tanzania and Rwanda.
On arrival at Mwanza airport, the airline’s Commercial Director, Bert van der Stege, said: “We’re delighted to be here in Mwanza today and literally improve connections between Rwanda and Tanzania. It is now easier to visit the neighbouring country from Mwanza, do business with trade partners across the border or reach cities such as Dubai, Johannesburg, Bujumbura, Kamembe and Entebbe .
RwandAir is famous for conveniently connecting passengers through Kigali International Airport. Small in size, the airport is able to provide seamless transfers and a personalized service that make connecting through the heart of Africa a great alternative for passengers.
RwandAir is the first airline to offer the new direct flights between Mwanza and Kigali. At present no other airline offers flights between Tanzania and Rwanda. The new flights operate from Kigali every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday with a Bombardier Dash8 -200 aircraft with a 37 passenger seating capacity.
Note to Editors:
About Mwanza
Mwanza is the capital city of Mwanza region on the shores of Lake Victoria in northwestern Tanzania. With over 800,000 inhabitants, Mwanza is the second largest city in Tanzania and a main business centre for regions around Lake Victoria and neighbouring countries of Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda. The city is surrounded by rocky hills dotted with massive granite boulders. Mwanza and other regions around Lake Victoria are rich in minerals and precious metals. Outside of Mwanza, small farms dot a rolling, semi-arid savannah. Local industries include fishing, textiles, bottling and light manufacturing. Despite its size, Mwanza city centre is compact and easy to navigate on foot.
About RwandAir
Operating from Kigali as its hub in the heart of Africa, RwandAir is the fastest growing airline on the African continent. RwandAir’s fleet currently consists of four Boeing 737 aircraft and one Bombardier Dash-200 series. Two brand new CRJ900 regional jets are on order from Bombardier, scheduled to arrive in October this year with an option of a further two in 2013. RwandAir serves two Domestic destinations, all the East African capitals and many regional cities such as Nairobi, Entebbe, Mombasa, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Mwanza with daily flights. The airline also serves Johannesburg, Dubai, Lagos, Libreville and Brazzaville. More destinations on the African continent will be added in November 2012.
Airline to keep a young and modern set of four Boeing 737 NG series to reach other continents
Kigali – April 17, 2013
This sunny afternoon, RwandAir acquired a Boeing 737-700NG amidst the presence of high profile government guests and partners. The aircraft performed the customary low-pass and was received with a firemen salute as it was taxiing on the parking bay. In attendance was Honorable Prof. Silas Lwakabamba the Minister of Infrastructure as a guest of honor, the state Minister in charge of transport Honorable Alexis Nzahabwanimana, distinguished guests comprised of the RwandAir steering committee, board of directors, and the management at large.
In his remarks, the CEO of RwandAir, John Mirenge, noted that the new acquisition comes to complement a young and competitive fleet. He said: “Today’s acquisition begins the decommissioning process that we have been anticipating that replaces the two aging Boeing 737-500 leased from GECAS. We expect to receive a similar aircraft in less than one month. We will then own and operate a well-diversified set of four Boeing 737 Next Generation series that are relatively young in operation, offer the latest in cabin amenities and in-flight entertainment and widen our network reach.
This aircraft offers the highest operating range capability, about 6,000 km that could easily offer direct flights to south-western Europe, Minor and Monsoon Asia and the Middle East. We also get to easily cover more western Africa destinations, with the firm intention to launch Accra in Ghana and Douala in Cameroon by June, in approximately 6 weeks.
In his remarks, the guest of honor noted that Kigali is strategically positioned to become the economic turntable where east meets west, and reiterated the government’s commitment to support the airline through the projects of the Ministry of Infrastructure and other sources. The Kigali International Airport is receiving a much needed expansion and the Bugesera Airport project is in good progress. END
RwandAir Places Firm Order for Dual-Class Bombardier Q00 NextGen Airliner
Airline will become 12th operator of Q400 aircraft in Africa
Toronto, April 22, 2013
Bombardier Aerospace and RwandAir of Kigali, Rwanda announced today that RwandAir has signed a firm purchase agreement for one Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner. Based on the list price of the Q400 NextGenaircraft, the order is valued at approximately $33 million US
“As demand for domestic and regional travel in Africa accelerates, our 67-seat, dual-class Q400 NextGenaircraft will ensure RwandAir is well positioned to offer increased capacity on popular routes that are being opened and serviced with our 37-seat Bombardier Dash 8-200 aircraft, said John Mirenge, Chief Executive Officer, RwandAir. “The Q400 NextGenturboprop is the right aircraft to develop our domestic and regional market and to firmly support RwandAir on our path towards growth and increased profitability. We are also complementing our new dual-class Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen regional jets by offering similar cabin amenities on the Q400 NextGenaircraft, providing for a seamless passenger service between the two aircraft models and aligning our total fleet strategy towards a unified passenger experience. We are developing the RwandAir brand and we are gaining momentum in the region through selection of the right aircraft and right services for our growing market.
“As one of our newest and fast-growing customers, RwandAir is serving Africa’s expanding domestic and international markets and we are delighted that the carrier has yet again chosen Bombardier aircraft to further develop its network of short- and medium-haul destinations,said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 NextGenturboprop has proven its capability and flexibility in many regions of the world and is operating in diverse environments. We anticipate that it will serve RwandAir and its customers very well. RwandAir will become the 12th operator of Q400 and Q400 NextGenaircraft in Africa, and its Q400 NextGen aircraft will join more than 40 Q400and Q400 NextGenaircraft that are already in service with, or have been ordered by, 11 operators in nine countries in Africa.
With the transaction announced today, Bombardier has taken firm orders for 468 Q400and Q400 NextGenaircraft. Worldwide,Q400 and Q400 NextGenaircraft have transported more than 243 million passengers and have logged over 3.8 million flight hours and more than 4.1 million take-offs and landings in service with more than 40 operators in over 30 countries on five continents.
On September 4th 2013, the Ikoyi Tennis Club from Lagos arrived in Kigali after being invited by the Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) tennis club for a friendly tournament. The large delegation of fourty participants arrived in Kigali aboard RwandAir’s WB 201 as the official carrier. Upon arrival the team was amicably welcomed by Rwandair marketing team together with the chairman of CSK. A few minutes later, a representative of Ikoyi tennis club highlighted the importance of this partnership to both countries in an interview with Rwanda Broad casting agency
On June 5th 2014 the CSK Tennis Section returned the Ikoyi Club’s visit, as they departed to Lagos for a similar tournament led by Mr. Alfred Kalisa, the chairman of the tennis club. The delegation of thirty-five participants flew aboard flight WB 200 to Lagos. Among the thirty-five participants are twenty players, who will participate in fifteen doubles games throughout the duration of the tournament which officially concludes on June 9th, 2014. While in Nigeria, the team will participate in a few other programs besides the tournament. These will include a boat cruise around the Lagos Lagoon, a visit to The Nigerian Stock Exchange, and the attendance of a Business forum. These activities will be staggered between tournament times, as the games themselves are the primary purpose of travel.
RwandAir Hails First Rwandan Captain on Boeing737
RwandAir is proud to announce its first Rwandan Pilot on a Boeing737
Kigali International Airport, Kigali, 13th December 2013.
Kigali – Monday 16th December, 2013. On Friday 13th December 2013, Rwandair staff witnessed the First Rwandan Captain on a Boeing 737 Bosco Murabukirwa, get released by DFO Captain Santos Pio at the Kigali international airport tarmac. With the CEO John Mirenge at hand to receive the captain upon landing his flight from Entebbe, Captain Bosco was pleasantly surprised by the sea of Rwandair staff members in reflector jackets all applauding his great achievement.
DFO Captain Santos Pio gave a brief speech before handing over the four bars to place on pilot Bosco’s uniform officially signifying his new title as a captain. With cheers, applause, and jubilations from the crowd that gathered, Captain Bosco gave a very emotional speech recognizing the long road it took to get to the position of being a captain flying the national carrier of his own country. With pride and humility, he thanked RwandAir management for their continuous support and unflinching confidence in him.
The CEO then assisted Captain Bosco with wearing his new Jacket with the four bars on the sleeves. As most of you are already aware, airline pilots wear stripes on their sleeves or on the epaulets on their shoulders. The stripes are an indication of the pilot’s level of flight experience and of his responsibilities in an aircraft. Thus from this day on all persons will recognize the four stripes on Bosco’s uniform and address him as Captain Bosco for the rest of his days.
The small ceremony was concluded with a speech from the CEO, impressing on captain Bosco the leadership role he has assumed for becoming the first Rwandan Captain on a Boeing 737 and reminding him that the 12 Rwandan pilots flying WB aircrafts all look up to him. RwandAir CEO John Mirenge was very assured that Bosco will continue to inspire the young pilots to work hard to not only reach his level, but to surpass him. RwandAir salutes Captain Bosco Murabukirwa for making all Rwandans proud to see a son of the land of a thousand hills flying the national carrier.
For more information contact the head of corporate communications, Anna Fye at 0784873299/ anna.fye@rwandair.com
RwandAir has been the subject of much awe and appreciation for its sustained and fast growth. It is already ranked among one of the airlines with the youngest fleet in Africa, after being dubbed one of the fastest growing airlines on the continent. Thus when the partnership opportunity for RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines presented itself, it was a no brainer. In this regard RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines are pleased to announce the signing of a technical support agreement on 18 December 2013 in Addis Ababa.
The technical support agreement was signed by Rwandair Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Mirenge and Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tewolde Gebremariam. Per the agreement, Ethiopian will provide technical support service to Rwandair as of March 2014 for line maintenance up to A-Check and component exchange support for B737NG and Q400 aircraft. Ethiopian MRO Services will deploy technical team in Kigali to carry out the day to day activities on site while being supported as required from the main base in Addis Ababa.
“Rwandair recognizes the important role Ethiopian Airlines has played as a pioneer MRO provider in Africa over the years thus it was imperative that we explore the opportunity for MRO partnership. Agreements such as the momentous one signed here today further strengthen the bond between RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines while continuing to show the world that the African aviation industry remains a vital catalyst for African economic growth and advancement.” Stated RwandAir’s CEO John Mirenge
“This agreement with Rwandair is the type of cooperation that is needed to ensure the success of the African aviation industry. We are very pleased to expand our cooperation with Rwandair to the area of MRO. It is only by harnessing our resources and capabilities in Africa and establishing all-round cooperation including in the MRO, commercial and training areas that we will be able to withstand the stiff competition from foreign carriers and succeed in a highly competitive, capital intensive and skill driven industry”, said Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam.
In line with its Vision 2025 strategic roadmap, Ethiopian MRO Services aims to become the most competitive and leading provider of commercial aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul in Africa by 2025.
Ethiopian MRO Services has a certified facility by both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency and has MRO capabilities in Boeing and Bombardier aircraft.
RwandAir now has the advantage of having the same MRO Service handling both our Boeing 737-800 aircrafts, both Boeing 737-700 aircrafts as well as the brand new Q-400 NextGen due to arrive end of February 2014. This new agreement builds on the already strong relationship we have enjoyed with Ethiopian Airlines through the pilot training program Rwandair pilots go though as well as our well trained engineers most of whom trained through Ethiopian Airline training program. RwandAir looks forward to yet another fruitful partnership with continued success.
For more information contact the head of corporate communications, Anna Fye at 0784873299/ anna.fye@rwandair.com
Rwandair Cancels Friday Operations to Juba; Passengers Advised to Monitor Website For Updated Flight Information.
Friday December 20, 2013.
Rwandair, the national carrier would like to officially inform the public that WB430/WB431 flights, scheduled for Juba have been cancelled for Friday 20th December 2013 on account of the security situation in Juba. We will continue to assess the security situation on the ground and will advise on later flights/operations in due course.
Passengers with travel plans in the near future should contact the airline to obtain the latest flight status information for confirmation before making their way to the Airport. Travelers are advised to monitor the airline website to be updated on continued flight information. Rwandair’s website is www.rwandair.com. “RwandAir treats the safety of its passengers and employees as its absolute top priority, and safety is never compromised under any circumstances. We will work to resume normal service and to accommodate our customers.” said Rwandair CEO John Mirenge.
For more information/ assistance please contact your nearest Rwandair office or our call center on 3030.
For more information contact the head of corporate communications, Anna Fye at 0784873299/ anna.fye@rwandair.com
Airline ready to receive brand new Q-400 NextGen to add to its growing fleet.
RwandAir has confirmed that the Q-400 NextGen aircraft due for delivery end of February 2014 is on schedule and preparations for its arrival are well underway. The aircraft manufacturer is Bombardier Aerospace, a Canadian company with headquarters in Mirabel Quebec. RwandAir will become the 12th operator of the Q-400 NextGen aircraft in Africa. The growing excitement of the general public proves that the demand for domestic and regional travel in Africa continues to accelerate, and this brand new 67-seat, dual-class Q-400 NextGen aircraft will ensure RwandAir is well positioned to offer increased capacity on existing popular routes and new, upcoming ones.
The cabin configuration and design of this brand new Q-400 NextGen is similar to the CRJ-900 NextGen aircraft already amongst WB fleet. This new acquisition therefore comes to complement, on domestic routes, what the CRJ-900 NextGen achieves on regional destinations. The Bombardier Q-400 NextGen can operate on Brazzaville, Libreville, Entebbe, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Mombasa and Kamembe the only domestic route. Other possible or upcoming routes include Addis Ababa and Lusaka to name but a few.
In his remarks, the CEO of RwandAir, John Mirenge, stated that “beginning the year 2014 with the arrival of our Bombardier Q-400 NEXTGEN puts us in the position to surpass the impressive targets we set for ourselves with ease as the introduction of the increased number of seats as well as the business class option meets the demands of our domestic market. It also allows RwandAir to embrace its long term expansion goal while staying on target to grow our fleet to seventeen by the year 2020”
The new aircraft will be delivered just in time for the unveiling of Douala, Cameroon as RwandAir’s 16th destination. For more information contact the Communications Officer, Anna Fye on +250784873299 or email anna.fye@rwandair.com.
RwandAir is proud to announce its first Rwandan Pilot on a CRJ Aircraft
Kigali International Airport, Kigali, 28th January 2014.
Kigali – Tuesday 28th January, 2014.
On Tuesday 28th January 2014, Rwandair management was proud to announce the first ever Rwandan Captain on a CRJ NextGen aircraft. Captain Jean Paul Muvinyi was released upon landing WB flight 401 from Nairobi at 11:45AM. Captain Muvunyi stepped off the aircraft after passengers had disembarked to find a sea of RwandAir staff led by Deputy CEO Jean Paul Nyirubutama, ready to commence the ceremony.
Captain Muvunyi was handed his four bars signifying his new rank as captain by his fellow colleagues Captain Marco the CRJ Fleet Manager and RwandAir Chief Pilot Marcel Gabou Tirefort. He was then handed his new jacket by the Deputy CEO which was followed by thunderous applause from the RwandAir staff gathered on the tarmac to witness the event. Captain Jean Paul Muvunyi started his aviation training in Nairobi Kenya CMC flying School followed by further training at Fort Worth Texas, and finally completed his training at Toronto Canada in Flight Safety Aviation. He is married to his beautiful wife Rose Muvunyi who is also a member of the RwandAir family and is currently serving as the Product and Services Manager. Together they have two beautiful children.
In his speech Captain Muvunyi stated “RwandAir has been so supportive through the trainings provided to me and I am very proud to be part of this growing family. We are succeeding in an Industry where many other nations have failed; I can only see a bright future for our airline.”
For more information contact the head of corporate communications, Anna Fye at 0784873299/ anna.fye@rwandair.com
RwandAir Resumes Flights to Juba
Kigali International Airport, Kigali, Tuesday February 11, 2014.
Tuesday February 11, 2014.The management of RwandAir would like to officially inform the public that from March 01 2014, all flights to Juba will be resumed. The schedule will remain as it was with three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The decision to resume flights came on the heels of the news received from the South Sudan government that they had signed a ceasefire deal with the rebels.
This confirmation of peace talks reassured the airline of the safety of their passengers. RwandAir the national carrier of the Republic of Rwanda launched flights to Juba last year on September 21st with attractive fares which raised their number of passengers in one week. Juba’s destination marked the final milestone for RwandAir in the year of 2013 as its 15th destination.
The two months wait for operations to commence is finally over as the airline is ready and eager to serve their customers on the Juba route. RwandAir is famous for conveniently connecting passengers through Kigali International Airport. Still relatively small in size, the airport and the airline are able to provide seamless transfers and a much more personalized service to Entebbe, Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Bujumbura, and many more.
The airline also plans to expand its network further into the sub-Saharan region, and will soon unveil Douala in Cameroon on March 30th 2014. For more information contact the head of corporate communications, Anna Fye at 0784873299/ anna.fye@rwandair.com
RwandAir Signs on as the Official Airline Partner for The Kilimajaro Marathon.
Kigali International Airport, Kigali, Tuesday February 12, 2014.
The management of RwandAir is honored to be the official airline partner for the 2014 Kilimanjaro Marathon. Every year, at the end of February/beginning March, a standard 42.2 km marathon, a 21.1 km half marathon and a 5 km fun run is held in Tanzania. The Kilimanjaro Premium Lager Marathon and Vodacom 5km Fun Run will be in its 12th year in the town of Moshi at the base of Africa’s highest free standing mountain on the 2nd March 2014.
This race has been set up to promote the sport in Tanzania, and has the official backing of the Tanzania Tourist Board, the Tanzania Amateur Athletics Association, the IAAF, is registered with AIMS and now added to that impressive list is the support of RwandAir as the airline partner to transport participants, spectators, supporters, organizers, and competitors in and out of Kilimanjaro. RwandAir, the national carrier of Rwanda and Africa’s fastest growing airline has yet again strategically place itself in the position to market itself through this headline making event.
As demand for domestic and regional travel in Africa accelerates, the airline continues to ensure that their brand, image and products are well positioned to offer increased visibility on popular activities in the region. RwandAir is famous for conveniently connecting passengers from Kigali International Airport as the hub. Though still relatively small in size, the airport and the airline are able to provide seamless transfers and a much more personalized service to Entebbe, Nairobi, Dubai, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Bujumbura, and many more.
The airline also plans to expand its network further into the sub-Saharan region, and will soon unveil Douala in Cameroon and Abidjan in Ivory Coast to bring the destinations to sixteen. For more information contact the head of corporate communications, Anna Fye at 0784873299/ anna.fye@rwandair.com
RwandAir’s newly acquired Aircraft Bombardier Q 400 NextGen takes its first commercial flight.
RwandAir’s Bombardier Q 400NextGen flies to Bujumbura.
Kigali – March 10th, 2014. The management of RwandAir celebrated the delivery of a dual-class Q400 NextGen turboprop airliner at the Kigali International Airport on Monday March 3rd 2014. This successful event was attended by RwandAir’s senior management; Bombardier management team from Canada and guest of honor Minister of Infrastructure Silas Lwakabamba together with the Minister of finance, honorable Gatete Claver and minister of state in charge of transport, honorable Alex Nzahabwanimana. With a beautiful low pass preformed by the pilots followed by the tradition fire man’s salute, this new aircraft received a spectacular welcome. The delivery of the Bombardier Q 400 NextGen aircraft makes RwandAir the youngest airline with a complete fleet of all Next Generation Aircrafts.
In exactly one week since the arrival of the aircraft, the airline announced that the Bombardier Q 400 will be taking its first commercial flight this very morning from Kigali to Bujumbura and back. This marks the official commencement of its operation in the region. RwandAir, the national flag carrier of Rwanda, will operate this new Bombardier Q 400 NextGen aircraft equipped with 7 Business Class and 60 Economy Class seats. The aircraft will operate daily services to Brazzaville, Libreville, Entebbe, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Bujumbura, Dar es Salaam, Mombasa and Kamembe the only domestic route.
RwandAir is well-known for appropriately connecting travellers from Kigali International Airport. Though small in scale, the airline and airport are competent to deliver similar transfer and tailored services to Nairobi, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Dubai, Johannesburg, and many more. RwandAir projects to enlarge and reveal its new routes to Middle East, Asia and Europe.
For more information contact the head of corporate communications, Anna Fye at 0784873299/ anna.fye@rwandair.com