Rwanda and Austria have signed an agreement that will see both countries opening skies for each other’s commercial airlines, also commonly known as Bilateral Air Service agreements in aviation terms.

The agreement was signed Tuesday afternoon between Minister for Infrastructure, Ernest Nsabimana alongside Austria’s Ambassador to Kenya and accredited to Rwanda, Christian Fellner.

Following the signing, Nsabimana told the press that the agreement which is a culmination of engagements between both countries spanning one decade, could potentially expand Rwanda’s air transport network especially in Europe.

"It also provides an opportunity to strengthen and expand the strong links especially in trade and tourism,” he said.

The agreement that will see both countries opening skies for each other’s commercial airlines.

But Nsabimana also pointed out that what was signed was a legal framework, which will form a basis on which other technical processes would follow.

Ordinarily, processes that are entailed in the agreement normally include regulation of frequency and capacity of air services between both countries, pricing, among other commercial aspects.

Air transport has become more and more important in the last decades and Fellner believes that despite the effects of Covid-19, it is an important aspect of the future.

He also commended Rwanda’s progress in her local aviation industry, citing the construction of the proposed international airport in Bugesera as one of the major developments.

He added, "The signing of this agreement is another step in the intensifying of the fruitful relations between Austria and Rwanda.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Ernest Nsabimana and  Austria’s Ambassador accredited to Rwanda, Christian Fellner after signing the agreement in Kigali on Tuesday, July 19. Photo by Craish Bahizi

Just on Monday, Fellner said, both countries signed a multi-billion dollar financing agreement with UNICREDIT Bank Austria, to construct a TVET centre of excellence to be set up in the Special Economic Zone.

"I can say interest is increasing year to year giving us a platform to build better results,” he reiterated.

The agreement, officials noted, will provide rights for the operation of direct flights from any point in Rwanda, via any intermediate points and any points in Austria, plus the right to pick passengers, cargo and mail to any points beyond Austria, commonly known as fifth freedom traffic rights.