A new VIP Lounge was unveiled at Kigali International Airport one month after works began on the project.

The lounge, named the Pearl Lounge Kigali, was put up at a cost of US$250,000.

The restructuring works were carried out by Kuwaiti-based National Aviation Services (NAS), a globally renowned provider of ground handling services contracted by Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA).

Dr Richard Masozera, the Director General of RCAA said that the reconstruction of the VIP Lounge was aimed at providing top quality service to clients similar to those offered at other modern airports.

"Certain high standards have been established which we have been looking forward to. The VIP Lounge is now spacious than before with a capacity of 54 seats. It will be providing 24 hour service for VIP and business class clients,” he said.

He also noted that the number of passengers has also greatly improved with the airport expected to receive over 400,000 passengers this year compared to the annual average of 280,000 passengers over the last three years.

He attributed the surging number of passengers using the airport to the country’s stable economy, improved services and the fact that Rwanda has progressively positioned itself as a preferred tourism destination.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Albert Nsengiyumva, who presided over the event, said that the restructuring of the lounge is in line with the government’s vision to have a service-oriented economy.

"This facility will boost the tourism industry in Rwanda through boosting customer confidence and quality service,” the minister added.

Hassan El-Houry, the CEO of NAS stated that Rwanda has a rapidly growing economy thereby attracting many tourists.

"Rwanda is endowed with a government that works hard to build the economy, they have a fast growing economy and we are proud to be working with them. We have a whole spectrum of services we are going to offer and also plan to build our headquarters here which will benefit Rwanda,” El-Houry said.

He also disclosed plans to start an aviation training centre in Rwanda that will attract students from neighbouring countries.

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