Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) says it has recorded an increase of 25 percent in its revenue on account of increased air traffic and airport users over the last three years at Kigali International Airport.

Statistics from the body which oversees and regulates the aviation industry in Rwanda show  that it grew by 20 percent with approximately 300,000 passengers registered by the end of last year while the number flights increased from 60 in 2009 to 100 flights last year.

In an exclusive interview with Business Times yesterday, Richard Masozera the Director General of RCAA attributed the growth in revenue to the automation of car park which has improved the efficiency in financial collection.

The system offers a diverse range of information to meet security needs and reduce the likelihood of small funds being mismanaged.

"In 2010 the aviation industry recorded significant achievements in daily operations, in infrastructure development, flight safety, air navigation and human resource development,” he said.

Rwanda is benefiting from increased inflow of air traffic particularly from USA, the UK, Japan, Germany and the East Africa Community.

"We are benefiting from an improved national economy and also a recovery from the Global Financial Crisis," Masozera said.

Masozera observed that the industry is experiencing a growth in traffic volumes, a trend that is likely to continue throughout this year following the entry of KLM and Air Uganda in to the market last year.

"With more entrants in the market and with the opening of new routes by the National carrier, Kigali will be a transit point in the region,” he emphasized.

Increase in scheduled flights this year is expected to trim cargo flight costs and significantly increase horticulture exports.

"With daily flights to the Middle East and Europe, the opportunities of fresh produce to hit the European market have increased, but cargo airline needs the organization of farmers...to sustain the volumes which can ration an airline," he said recently in a parallel interview.

It’s projected that 2011 will see more air-traffic increase with the amended and fresh Bilateral Air service Agreements (BASAs).

Interested countries include; Belgium, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Singapore, Egypt and The Netherlands. 

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