RwandAir

Key Facts

• Founded: 1 December 2002 (initially as Rwandair Express)

• Ownership: 100% government-owned; Qatar Airways acquiring a 49 % stake to support expansion

• Headquarters and Hub: Kigali International Airport

• Alliance & Partnerships: Codeshares with Ethiopian, Qatar, Turkish, Brussels, South African Airways; aiming to join oneworld

🛫 Network & Destinations

• Destinations: Serves about 21 countries across ~35 routes spanning Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia

• Notable cities: Brussels, London, Paris, Dubai, Doha, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Accra, Abuja, Johannesburg, Juba, Lusaka

✈️ Fleet Overview

Latest fleet (circa mid-2023/2024):

• Widebody: 2 × Airbus A330‑200, 1 × A330‑300

• Narrowbody/Turboprop: 1 Boeing 737‑700, 6 Boeing 737‑800, 2 CRJ900ER, 2 Bombardier Q400NG

• Cargo: 1 Boeing 737‑800 converted freighter

• Future plans: Expansion ambition to double fleet from ~14 to ~28 aircraft within five years

✅ Service & Ratings

• Skytrax: Awarded 3-star airline status for seat quality, catering, cabin and ground staff standards

• Awards & Safety: IOSA certified, IATA Ground Safety (ISAGO) audited, strong on-time performance

👥 Leadership

• CEO: Yvonne Manzi Makolo (since April 2018); also Chair of the IATA Board since June 2023 — first African woman in that role

🧭 Strategic Outlook

• Growth drivers: Hub development at Kigali, fleet modernization with A330 widebodies, cargo expansion via dedicated freighter

• Global partnerships: The Qatar stake and oneworld alliance aim to extend connectivity, enhance services, and upskill staff

⚙️ Quick Fleet Breakdown

Conclusion

RwandAir is rapidly evolving, actively expanding its network, modernizing its fleet, and enhancing service quality. With strategic partnerships and new aircraft, it’s poised to become a major player connecting Rwanda globally.