RwandAir takes maiden flight to London

RwandAir, the national carrier of Rwanda, has taken a significant step in its expansion efforts by launching its maiden flight to London Gatwick Airport, marking its first route to the European continent. The airline will operate flights to London three times a week using its newly acquired Airbus A330 fleet. Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the Deputy CEO in charge of Corporate Affairs at RwandAir, recently elaborated on this milestone during an interview with CNBC Africa. The decision to add London as the first European destination comes as part of the airline's fleet expansion strategy that began in late 2016. Moreover, RwandAir has plans to further expand its European footprint by connecting to Brussels in the near future, enhancing connectivity between Kigali, Brussels, and London. Speaking about the airline's strategic approach to pricing, Makolo noted that the relatively lower ticket costs on the Gatwick flights, averaging around $700, are aimed at attracting passengers and promoting Rwanda as a favorable travel destination. She emphasized that the initial pricing strategy is part of a promotional campaign and is likely to be adjusted in the future. By offering competitive rates, RwandAir aims to capture market share and showcase the quality of its services to passengers traveling on the London route. Despite the challenges faced by African airlines, including financial losses, RwandAir remains optimistic about its growth prospects. Makolo highlighted that RwandAir's expansion plans are crucial for the country's positioning as a hub for various sectors such as trade, conferences, information and communications technology (ICT), and tourism. The airline's commitment to opening new routes is exemplified by its upcoming flights to Guangzhou, scheduled for October this year, and New York, planned for next year. Although specific dates for the New York route are yet to be finalized, RwandAir is actively working on preparations in collaboration with airport authorities to ensure a smooth and successful launch. As the airline continues to grow, the acquisition of new aircraft, including the recently expected Boeing 737-800, remains a key focus. RwandAir recognizes the importance of expanding its fleet to serve an increasing number of destinations within Africa and beyond, enhancing connectivity and contributing to the country's overall economic development. The successful launch of the maiden flight to London symbolizes RwandAir's commitment to expanding its global reach and solidifying its position in the competitive airline industry.