National carrier, RwandAir, over the weekend, launched flights between Kigali and Libreville the capital of the Republic of Gabon, the carrier’s 12th route.

RwandAir will operate three flights a week on the new route in a move designed to operate a triangular schedule between Kigali, Libreville and Brazzaville with full right to fly passengers between Libreville and Brazzaville.

Speaking at the launch held at Libreville’s Leon Mba International Airport RwandAir’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Mirenge said that the new route would boost business between the two countries.

"This flight will connect business, culture and the hearts of the people of Rwanda and Gabon,” he added.

Mirenge stated that Kigali–Libreville flights will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

"We are pleased to be reinforcing our presence in Africa because this provides us with another foothold deeper into the African continent,” he noted.

Albert Nsengiyumva, the Minister of Infrastructure said the launch comes shortly after the inauguration of the Brazzaville route and this will strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

It will promote the exchange of goods between these countries in terms of what is grown and produced in Rwanda, he said.

Dominique Oyinamono, the Director General of Gabon Civil Aviation Authority stated that the Libreville route would enhance business transactions among between Rwanda and Gabon.

 "We thank the government of Rwanda for fulfilling the needs of the travelling public from Gabon and Rwanda by launching this route,” he said.

According to Julien Nkogve Bekale, the Minister of Transport for Gabon, the route is a great opportunity for the business community to exploit potential markets in both counties.

"This route is going to promote cooperation, business, and tourism and also create market for the Gabon products in Rwanda and vice versa.”

Libreville, located on the west coast of Africa along the banks of Komo River and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean becomes the fourth port city for RwandAir after Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and Dubai.

Ends