RwandAir takes new routes after expanding fleet

With its two newly acquired Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft RwandAir is offering passengers unparalleled services on its routes to Nairobi, Entebbe and Johannesburg. The two 50 seater regional jets including one which was delivered late last month are expected to bring a new era of developing a world class regional airline. The CRJ 200’s which bear Rwanda “9XR” tail numbers will be maintained, repaired and overhauled by Lufthansa Technik which has several years of experience.

Friday, January 08, 2010
A RwandAir plane in a hanger (File Photo)

With its two newly acquired Bombardier CRJ-200 aircraft RwandAir is offering passengers unparalleled services on its routes to Nairobi, Entebbe and Johannesburg.

The two 50 seater regional jets including one which was delivered late last month are expected to bring a new era of developing a world class regional airline.

The CRJ 200’s which bear Rwanda "9XR” tail numbers will be maintained, repaired and overhauled by Lufthansa Technik which has several years of experience.

With a view to provide travellers with the best possible interline linkages to Europe, the Middle East and Asia, RwandAir has amended its winter schedule favour convenient connection times from regional hubs at Entebbe and Nairobi.

According to the national carrier’s officials, the new schedule commenced on January 05, 2009 were WB flights bound for Nairobi will be departing from Kigali at 1100HRS (local time) on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Flights to the Kenyan capital on the remaining days of the week will be departing at 1000HRS (local time). Departures from Kigali to the domestic destination Kamembe (bordering Bukavu, DRC) have been adjusted to 0700HRS (local time).

The national carrier is also set to commence revenue service on the Kigali – Kamembe – Goma – Kigali circuit every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

"We need to connect important regional business centres as Goma, Goma, located in eastern DRC will become the first destination RwandAir is adding to its network this year as part of its network expansion plans,” RwandAir’s Corporate and Communication Manager, Michael Otieno explained.

By 2013, the airline is expecting to have a combined ‘owned, operated and maintained’ fleet of six aircraft including a 160 seater Boeing aircraft.

Commenting on the fleet acquisition plans of the airline, RwandAir CEO Gerald Zirimwabagabo said, "We are not only aiming to have a strong passenger revenue driven network, but also explore the largely uncharted cargo potential presented by demand in the region coupled with Rwanda’s strategic location at the heart of the continent”.

Adding to this, Capt. Jack Ekl, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of RwandAir said, "We are completely revamping internal operations, matching the best equipment and technology to the best talent. Our aim is to have an efficient, reliable and safe service for all who choose to fly with us”.

New RwandAir flight changes

Flights bound for Nairobi from Kigali depart at 1100 hours on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Flights to Nairobi on the remaining days of the week will be departing at 1000 hours.

Departures from Kigali to the domestic destination Kamembe (bordering Bukavu, DRC) have been adjusted to 0700 hours.

Ends