The partnership between Rwandair and Brussels Airlines comes at a time the global aviation industry especially the airline sector has been hit hard by the global economic recession

Rwandair express has signed a code share agreement with Brussels on flights between Kigali and Brussels in a move that will allow it (Rwandair) to sell tickets on flights to Belgium, according to a statement by Rwandair.

The national carrier also said that the deal is poised to bring convenience to the clients of both airlines and that it will help Rwandair to penetrate the Belgian market while Brussels airlines reinforces its position on the African market.

"For Rwandair, this code share agreement presents a much needed penetration into the European market. This agreement does not only mean a direct connection between Brussels and Kigali, but it also offers numerous possibilities for connections to other African and European destinations through Kigali or Brussels” the statement reads.

The partnership which has been effective since March 31, 2009 permits the Belgian carrier to operate the flight. It will enable Rwandair to sell 10 seats in economy and class as a marketing carrier on all three weekly flights between Kigali and Brussels, operated by Brussels airlines.

SN Brussels flies to Brussels direct from Kigali on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The partnership between Rwandair and Brussels Airlines comes at a time the global aviation industry especially the airline sector has been hit hard by the global economic recession and is under tremendous pressure to remain competitive.

Globally, the airlines are going out of business and statistics show that there is a sharp drop in passenger traffic which has resulted in airlines having to change the pattern of business.

Last month the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced a revised outlook for the global air transport industry with losses of $4.7 billion in 2009.

This is significantly worse than IATA’s December forecast for a $2.5 billion loss in 2009 Industry revenues are expected to fall by 12 percent to $467 billion.

The commercial deal between Rwandair and SN Brussels also comes at a time the Rwandan carrier is actively going through internal and structural changes geared towards offering elevated customer service and safety in its operations.

Rwandair says that it is looking forward to more such alliances that ensure greater access to worldwide destinations for its clientele.

"Today you can not afford to be in the airline transport business ……. ideally, we should be in the air travel experience business. That is what we want to offer our guests. As it is Rwanda is an outstanding destination for both business and leisure travel,” said Michael Otieno Rwandair’s head of Marketing and Corporate communication Rwandair management believes that as an emerging fast growing economy in East Africa, Rwanda stands to benefit from this agreement due to greater accessibility to Europe and the opening up of direct link to the heart of Africa.

"Historically and culturally this country has a lot to offer as a destination, businesswise and technologically, we dream of Rwanda which will be the Singapore or Dubai of Africa,” Otieno said.

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