KIGALI - The Ethiopian Airlines, yesterday, celebrated 35 years of uninterrupted service in Rwanda.

Speaking at the event in Kigali, Biruk Endeshaw, the Country Representative of Ethiopian Airlines, recalled that the airline added Kigali to its network on April 4, 1975, reinforcing the historical and cultural ties between Rwanda and Ethiopia.

"Currently the airline operates a total of 12 weekly flights with its 737-800 and its brand new Q-400 aircraft. This means our customers have at least two flights a day for 5 days per week,” he said.

He added that their daily afternoon flights from Kigali provide immediate connection to various destinations in Europe, US, Middle East, Far East and Africa. He also cited the early morning flights, which give immediate connections to the west, central and southern parts of Africa.

"In a bid to strengthen the ties between the two countries, Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir – national carrier – have also been in partnership under a code share agreement since September 2009,” Endeshaw added. "This partnership enables RwandAir to access a wide-range of markets without additional cost of operations”

He said that the airline has increased its dedicated cargo fleet of six with the arrival of two 747 cargo freighters, with capacity of 100 tonnes of cargo each.

Officiating at the ceremony, the Minister of Infrastructure, Vincent Karega, commended Ethiopian Airlines for its strong partnership with RwandAir. "We are very proud of working with you and we shall continue collaborating with you in all ways,” he said.

The event was attended by, among others, Government officials, diplomats, business leaders and religious leaders.

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