• Boeing, Rwandair to discuss acquisition of new planes

The Vice President of Boeing Company, Ihssane Mounir, has underscored the importance of making known to the world Rwanda’s reconstruction successes registered after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis.

Boeing is the largest global aircraft manufacturer by revenue, orders and deliveries, and the third largest aerospace and defence contractor in the world.

"Anything you read about Rwanda today is extremely positive. It is important for people to know how the country woke up from the 1994 nightmare,” Mounir told reporters shortly after visiting Kigali Memorial Site yesterday.

Flanked by the Rwandair CEO Gerald Zirimwabagabo, Mounir said that is equally crucial for people living outside the country to come and see for themselves what exactly happened in 1994.

"There is nothing that can prepare for this even when you read about it. I couldn’t imagine a million people were killed in such a short time, it was pretty shocking and difficult to see,” he added.

On Boeing’s cooperation with Rwandair, Mounir didn’t divulge details, only saying that the business partnership was taking a positive direction.

Zirimwabagabo said that there would be further discussions on how Boeing can help the national carrier acquire new and modern aircrafts.

"We have spent about six month in negotiations on which planes we can use, and soon, we will have known which these are and we shall announce to the public,” he said.

After acquiring a new aircraft last month, Rwandair is now in the process of acquiring two more planes; a Boeing 737 and a Boeing 800 series with a capacity to carry between 130 and 160 passengers.

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