Another big development of the year is the agreement between the Northern Corridor states - Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan - to liberalise airspace along the corridor. The historical deal was reached during the 11th Northern Corridor Heads of State summit in Nairobi. The agreement gives regional airlines, like RwandAir and Kenya Airways, the fifth freedom right where they will operate as local airlines. The deal becomes operational effective January 1.

New company created to manage aviation industry activities

Locally, the government established a new company in October to manage aviation industry activities, a move aimed at streamlining the sector to make it more vibrant and competitive. The initiative could also help cut operational costs and ensure smooth co-ordination of the aviation sector activities, according to the State Minister for Transport, Dr Alexis Nzahabwanimana. The Aviation, Travel and Logistics Limited is mandated with managing aviation activities, including travel, logistics, ground, freight and cargo handling, as well as charter services. The company, which has five subsidiaries, will help position the country as a regional aviation hub for tourism, cargo and logistics-related activities. The subsidiary companies include RwandAir, the National Logistic Company, Hospitality and Travel Management Limited, the Rwanda Airports Management Limited, and Akagera Aviation.

Rwanda, CAR ink airspace bilateral agreement

In a move geared toward boosting trade, Rwanda and the Central African Republic (CAR) signed a bilateral air service agreement. The agreement means the national carrier, RwandAir, can fly to the CAR without any limitation as the deal grants it the fifth freedom. Under the agreement, the two countries will establish and strengthen bilateral co-operation in air transport industry to facilitating the ease of doing business between the two countries.

Meanwhile, RwandAir and Airbus signed a purchase agreement for the two Airbus aircraft of A330-200 and A330-300 series. This makes the national carrier the first airline in East Africa to acquire this type of aircraft. The two planes could help support the airline’s expansion plans of extending its footprint with new routes to East Asia and Europe by 2017. The airline secured $160 million (about Rwf116 billion) loan from PTA Bank to facilitate the purchase of the two aircraft by September next year.

KIA ranked 5th best airport in Africa

Kigali International Airport (KIA) was ranked the fifth-best airport in Africa this year by a Canadian aviation website. The airport was credited for carrying out renovations, which improved its efficiency and security.

RwandAir launches direct flights to Lusaka

The airline used 2015 as a business opportunity to launched direct flights to Lusaka, Zambia opening doors between Rwanda and Zambia.

Flydubai opens offices in Kigali

United Arab Emirates-based budget airline, flydubai launched a fully-fledged country office in Kigali to facilitate its activities and enhance trade between Rwanda and UAE. The office will also issues UAE visas, besides flight tickets.