In Rwanda, like many other developing countries, air cargo and freight logistics companies face a wide range of challenges, including disruptions in the supply chain, increasing freight costs, long transit times, and even insufficient space capacity among many other challenges.

However, a new partnership between Multilines International Rwanda (www.multilinesint.rw) and Turkish Cargo could be a significant game-changer for the logistics sector in Rwanda and the region.

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Air cargo logistics is an industry dedicated to the transportation of goods and commodities by air.

The collaboration between the two companies Multilines International Rwanda Ltd and Turkish Cargo was announced in a press conference on January 31, at the Highlands Suites Hotel in Nyarutarama, Kigali.

Multilines International Rwanda Ltd (www.multilinesint.rw) is now Turkish Cargo’s Sales Cargo Agent in Rwanda.

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Julie Mutoni, Managing Director of Multilines International Rwanda, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership and emphasised the benefits it brings to the country's logistics sector. They plan to leverage Turkish Cargo's extensive network and resources to address issues such as high freight costs and longer transit times. By doing so, they aim to optimise efficiency, reduce transit times, and provide cost-effective solutions for shippers and importers in particular and the freight forwarding industry in Rwanda in general.

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The partnership between Multilines and Turkish Cargo means that Rwanda will benefit from Turkish Cargo's state-of-the-art cargo fleet and extensive route network, which will enhance Multilines International Rwanda's airfreight capabilities and ensure faster and more efficient freight of goods.

Mutoni explained that the collaboration will enable clients to access more affordable rates and discounts, as well as increased connectivity to Turkish Cargo's operational presence in over 129 countries, over 344 international destinations with over 104 freighter destinations worldwide.

Mutoni also explained that the partnership will enable clients to access more affordable preferential rates and discounts, along with increased connectivity to Turkish Cargo's vast operational presence worldwide.

Savket Battal, Regional Cargo Manager at Turkish Airlines, also highlighted how this collaboration will enhance Rwanda's logistics infrastructure.

The goal is to provide improved service levels, robust global connectivity, and the dependability that comes with partnering with such a professional Freight Forwarder like Multilines International Rwanda, he said.

Turkish Cargo operates a fleet of 437 aircraft, serving over 344 destinations in 132 countries. They specialise in delivering various cargo types, including; perishable products, flowers, coffee, live animals, textiles, valuable items, spare parts, machinery, and technological products. They offer a range of services such as TK Urgent, TK Premium, TK Smart, Special Cargo, Digital Cargo, Domestic Cargo, and Charter.

Gerald Mukyenga, the Group CEO of Multilines International, also acknowledged the advantages of strategic collaboration.

"The partnership allows Multilines International Rwanda to offer a broader range of freight options and destinations to their clients through Turkish Cargo's extensive global network. The focus is on minimizing transit times, reducing costs, and delivering cost-effective solutions to Rwandan goods-forwarding enterprises," he said.

Mukyenga elaborated on the expanded service offerings, operational synergy, and the subsequent benefits thereof for the stakeholders like the Rwandan shippers and importers who are the customers, the government, the freight forwarders fraternity, shareholders, staff of the two partnering organisations, and ordinary citizens.

Established in 2009, Multilines International Rwanda also operates as a registered and licensed Customs Clearing Agency in Rwanda, a Cargo Freight Business Division, and a Road Freight + Seafreight Transport Logistics Division with a fleet of trucks and sea containers.