The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has named the national carrier, RwandAir, among the safest airlines in the world.

RwandAir yesterday received a certficate of safety worthiness after passing the IATA operational safety audit (IOSA), which makes it eligible to fly to any part of the world and other perks, including eligibility to enter into code share deals with five-star airlines without any restrictions.

The IATA audit is an internationally recognised evaluation system that assesses the operational management and control systems of an airline.

It is conducted every two years once an airline has completed the first audit until it becomes a full IATA member.

This was the first time RwandAir had submitted to the audit.

While handing over the certificate at Kigali International Airport, yesterday, Raphael Kuuchi, the vice-president of IATA, said Rwanda’s aviation industry is poised to play a critical role in the country’s economic development.

"Supported by viable infrastructure, the aviation industry will propel Rwanda to becoming one of the most advanced economies in Africa. However, for this to happen, airlines must embrace adherence to international standards,” Kuuchi said.

"The IATA operational safety audit is a benchmark for becoming the global airline and we are delighted that RwandAir has become one of those airlines,” the IATA chief added.

He reassured of the organisation’s commitment toward helping the national carrier become a full member of the IATA in the near future.

Dr Alexis Nzahabwanimana, state minister for transport, said government will continue to support RwandAir in its quest to become the best airline in the region.

"We have given RwandAir an obligation to focus on safety, data-based service delivery and economic growth. We are now sure that this certificate is simply the beginning of new opportunities of becoming the master of the skies across the African continent,” Nzahabwanimana said.

RwandAir chief executive John Mirenge said most global brands have been finding difficulties in forming partnerships with the national carrier because of lack of the certification.

Blessing Kavai, assistant director Africa Safety and Flight Operations at IATA, challenged the airline to keep to the vision.

"The real work starts now because for you to keep on track it requires constant hard work and determination,” he advised.

The national carrier was one of the beneficiaries of the $400 million raised from the Eurobond issuance to fund different projects of public interest in the country.