From Doha, the airline will fly to Casablanca and Marrakesh with a single flight.

Qatar Airways is enhancing its international route network by resuming flights to two significant Moroccan cities. From June 30, the airline will serve Casablanca and Marrakesh from its Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) base.

Qatar Airways will operate four weekly flights to Casablanca Mohammed V International (CMN) and Marrakesh Menara International (RAK) airports on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Passengers on this route will experience Qatar’s exquisite service on the Boeing 787-8 with a 22 business class and 232 economy class configuration. The flight schedule is as follows:

Flight QR1397:

• Departs DOH at 09:15 and arrives at CMN at 15:10.
• Departs CMN at 16:30 and arrives at RAK at 17:25.

Flight QR1398:

• Departs RAK at 18:55 and arrives at CMN at 19:45.
• Departs CMN at 21:20 and arrives at DOH at 06:30+1 local time.

Increased connectivity

With the addition of Casablanca and Marrakesh, passengers can now enjoy connectivity to over 160 destinations on the airline’s global network. Marrakesh is the fourth-largest city in Morocco and one of the four imperial cities. Tourists admire it for its diversity and rich heritage.

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Africa. It is famous for its blend of “old” and “new,” with an appeal that showcases modern infrastructure while retaining traditional Moroccan architecture.

Qatar and Morocco have had a great diplomatic relationship for years, with Qatar being one of Morocco’s largest foreign investors. The two countries were brought even closer by the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The North African nation reached the semi-finals, which saw a record number of Moroccans visiting Qatar during the tournament. Qatar Airways CEO Mr Akbar Al Baker said;

“The Qatar Airways’ flights to Casablanca and Marrakesh solidify our commitment to the Moroccan market and meet a strong demand for connectivity to these two beautiful and historic cities. The FIFA World Cup 2022TM brought Qatar and Morocco together through football and bolstered our cultural and economic cohesion. Connecting through our Hamad International Airport offers passengers an unparalleled 5-star travel experience to over 160 destinations and continues to grow and expand our network.”

Summer schedule

Qatar Airways will operate flights to Casablanca throughout the summer season. On the other hand, Marrakesh will be served as a seasonal tag, with flights from June 30 to September 11. The airline’s customers can also enjoy more travel options between Doha and Casablanca through its codeshare partnership with Royal Air Maroc.

With world air travel close to pre-pandemic levels, Qatar Airways continues to expand its roots in Africa. However, a recent unfortunate turn of events has led to the suspension of some African destinations.

Due to the unrest in Sudan, the airline has discontinued its service to the North African nation. Sudan has closed its airspace, and QR announced that it would not be operating any flights on the Doha-Khartoum and Khartoum-Doha routes indefinitely. The closure of the Sudanese airspace has significantly affected many airlines as they have to reroute flights around the continent.

Source: Simple Flying

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), projects that airlines will earn $4.7b in profits off gross industry revenues of $779b in 2023.

As the global aviation industry emerges from the deep impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world’s airlines are projected to post their first profits since 2019. Globally, airlines lost $7b in 2022, an amazing comeback from the $42b they lost in 2021 and sh138b the year before.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), projects that airlines will earn $4.7b in profits off gross industry revenues of $779b in 2023. That will be driven by a more rational approach to Covid-19 restrictions, higher levels of vaccination against the virus and a better match between capacity and demand for travel.

Because of a large domestic sector and earlier easing of internal pandemic controls, North America is leading the return to profitability. North American airlines were expected to post a profit last year. It will be followed by Europe and the Middle East this year. All factors remaining constant, airlines in Latin America, Africa and the Asia Pacific region, could see their first profit, post-pandemic, from 2024 onwards.

For startups like Uganda Airlines, the Covid-19 pandemic could not have come at a worse time. The global lockdowns set in a mere six months after the airline had started commercial operations. When the breaks were suddenly pulled on international travel, network development, passenger traffic and revenues all took a hit. All the initial business assumptions on which Uganda Airlines’ performance projections were based, were also turned on their head.

It had been projected that the carrier would be operating 16 routes at the end of the first year; only 10 had been activated at the time lockdowns intensified in March 2020. To date, only 11 routes, including a single intercontinental route are operational instead of 18, including three international routes. Besides shredding revenue projections, the lockdowns and the conflict in Ukraine, also imposed unexpected costs on the carrier. Globally, the average cost of jet fuel as a proportion of airline costs during 2022, doubled to 24%. As an Africa-based operator without a hedging scheme, Uganda Airlines saw much steeper fuel- cost escalation.

Despite that turbulent start, the business is now looking up as travel restrictions ease and air travel normalizes. The schedule has recovered and in the near future, operations are expected to revert to pre-Covid-19 levels. We are actively pursuing network expansion and there will be some exciting announcements soon.

The gap between the projections and performance is also narrowing. During fiscal 2021/22, some 218,788 passengers were carried against a target of 383,486 passengers. Although that was 43% short of target, it represented a 148% increase in passenger numbers over the 2020/21 accounting period. At the operational level, (the number of routes in operation),     the shortfall was 29%.

Over the same period, we saw a 172% increase in passenger revenues relative to fiscal 2020/2021 and the budgeted shortfall on active routes only was 25%. The passenger load factor improved by seven points to reach 45%. Revenues from charter operations expanded 115% over 2020/2021.

Reason for optimism?

Uganda Airlines fortunes are closely tied to the performance of Africa as a region. That is because most of its and nearly 87% of its frequencies are within Africa.

Tourism data also shows that Uganda sources 80% of its tourists from Africa. By inference, better performance by Africa implies better prospects for Uganda Airlines. According to IATA statistics for December 2022, African airline traffic grew 118.8% over the previous year. Their combined share of the global market rose to 2.1% from 1.9% in 2021.

The carrier will, therefore, see stronger passenger performance as it expands its African network and integrates it with new routes to Asia and Europe to achieve its hub and spoke. Flying to West Africa is going to be important in this regard. The opening up by China after years of tight restrictions also bodes well for global travel and Uganda Airlines. The   regional points will feed our global network and that is the big picture.

Value of aviation to the Ugandan economy

While air transport’s contribution to Uganda’s economy has not been comprehensively studied, aggregate figures from elsewhere, provide a rough picture of its potential contribution; the contribution of aviation is usually fused under the transport sector. In 2019 for instance, with Africa accounting for only 3% of global passenger traffic, aviation contributed $63b to the continent’s GDP and employed 6.2m people.

According to studies by IATA, air transport contributed $3.2b or 4.6% of Kenya’s GDP and supported 410,000 jobs in 2017. That output was based on the 4.8 million foreign passengers that passed through Kenya that year. The sector’s contribution was projected to expand to $11.3b, supporting an estimated 859,000 jobs by 2037, if market trends were to remain constant.

At the end of 2017, Kenya was connected to 67 destinations served by 32 airlines. The corresponding figures for Uganda are 27 destinations in 17 countries served by 17 scheduled carriers.

In Uganda, at least 1.5 million passengers travelled to the country by air in 2022. Uganda Airlines accounted for about a third of that figure. The airline also employed 500 people, only 14% of them expatriates. The airline also contributed sh14b to tax revenues and spent close to sh1.2b in payments to local suppliers.

Profit or loss?

While the public conversation about Uganda Airlines tends to paint a grim picture, the numbers above tell a different story. They show that the airline is on a positive trajectory and is indeed clawing back lost territory. It is also important to remember that the airline is still in the investment phase and at this point, costs will outpace revenues.

Airline profitability and loss come at two levels – operational and absolute. Uganda Airlines will continue to post losses at the absolute level because of the imbalance between fixed costs – which decline over the longer term, and the revenue curve in the short term.

Operationally, the airline has been financing some of its operations from revenues generated from passenger operations. Short of unexpected shocks, the airline should achieve operational break-even within the next two to three years, as operations are optimised and market penetration increases.

The major source of cost escalation for Uganda Airlines during the past three years has been stunted passenger growth because of external factors, fleet maintenance costs and sharp increases in the price of aviation fuel because of Ukraine tensions.

African airlines are, however, exposed to much higher prices for aviation fuel because in 2022, refineries were charging African customers a margin of $50. On average, African airlines pay 30% more per litre of fuel, than their counterparts elsewhere. There is good news here, that through African Airlines Association (AFRAA)

Uganda Airlines costs are expected peak this year before starting a gradual decline from next 2024. The major drivers of cost escalation will be the launch of long-haul routes to Europe and the Far-East. However, a rationalized and better integrated network, increased traffic, and better aircraft utilization, will drive costs down.

Source: New Vision

Air Tanzania Company Limited and Kenya Airways top officials have met to discuss the possibility for a cargo transportation collaboration aiming to increase value and reduce operating coasts.

Kenya Airways Group managing director Allan Kilavuka, who visited Tanzania recently, said in a statement that the two airlines could cooperate in different areas, particularly in cargo transportation. With the arrival of Air Tanzania’s first cargo plane, a 54-ton Boeing 767-300 freighter, the two flag-carriers aim to increase value and reduce operating costs by utilizing their available freight, equipment, and expertise effectively.

“The African market alone is very large and requires cooperation to exploit it, especially the service of transporting passengers and cargo,” said Air Tanzania’s managing director Ladislaus Matindi. He said cooperation areas include the exchange of expertise and conducting practical training without relying on foreign countries in order to increase operational efficiency.

The new cargo plane will come at the right time as demand continues to rise due to growing trade and commercial activities. The collaboration between the two companies is expected to create commercial opportunities and meet the demands of the global market for cargo transportation, including perishable products and other items that are expected to be transported from Tanzania, including general cargo services, chicks and fish, pharma services, newspapers and magazines, valuable cargo, express parcels, postal and courier services, hazard materials, and human remains.

Kenya Airways and South African Airways announced last month they will launch a pan-African airline group in 2024 as part of its strategic partnership to boost growth. The two airlines are currently implementing phase two of the partnership framework, which will lead to forming the new group.

Source: The North Africa Post

RwandAir continues to expand its global reach and has spread its wings further by signing a codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines. The new partnership, inked on April 11, will offer RwandAir customers more travel choices, convenience, and connectivity both from Kigali International (KGL) and Istanbul International Airport (IST). The codeshare comes at a time when the Kigali-based carrier is expanding its operations and establishing itself in the long-haul market.

Access to an extensive network

Turkish Airlines is one of the world’s leading carriers with the most extensive route network. The airline operates flights to over 300 destinations worldwide and over 50 in Africa, connecting them with the rest of the world. In April and May 2023, Turkey’s flag carrier will be operating seven flights a week to Kigali.

RwandAir customers traveling from Africa will have access to Turkish Airlines’ vast network across five continents. Similarly, passengers flying on Turkish Airlines will have access to RwandAir’s intra-Africa network to reach even more cities.

RwandAir is Africa’s fastest-growing airline, providing safe and reliable services in the air transportation industry. The new codeshare with Turkish Airlines is a significant opportunity for growth. RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo said,

“We are incredibly excited to have signed this new codeshare agreement with one the world’s largest and leading carriers, Turkish Airlines. This landmark move will not only allow our customers to access the 124 countries served by Turkish Airlines, but will improve connections for inbound travelers to Africa via our extensive continental network.”

Turkish Airlines is recovering well from the effects of the pandemic, as the latest statistics show. In March, the airline carried about 6.1 million passengers, a 27.5% increase compared to March 2022. In the first quarter, the airline lifted about 17.1 million passengers, a significant increase from the same period last year.

Africa and the global market

Many international airlines continue to add destinations in Africa and increase frequencies on current routes. Africa is leading in the recovery from the pandemic, which airlines can leverage to increase their services to and from the continent.

Consolidation and partnerships like the codeshare between RwandAir and Turkish Airlines give global travelers better access to the African market. This will boost trade, tourism, and economic activity and help unlock the continent’s great potential.

Rwanda’s flag carrier also has strategic partnerships with Qatar and British Airways. It continues to explore commercial opportunities to strengthen its global presence and maintain its relationship with the African customer base. Yvonne Makolo added that,

“RwandAir is always exploring new commercial opportunities to expand its reach into markets which can deliver financial return and benefit our growing customer base.”

The airline aims to link Rwanda with the rest of the world while operating aircraft and other equipment maintained to the highest international standard. To expand its network and serve its new destinations, the airline recently took delivery of a third Airbus A330. The aircraft has been deployed on its international routes.

Source: Simple Flying

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to power Kenya Airways (KQ) to recovery. Widespread use of technology is beginning to influence how consumers are treated and make organisations understand their needs.

This is because AI-powered chatbots provide personalised and immediate assistance to every client. As a result, airlines become more productive.

AI evaluates travellers’ data and provides personalised travel experiences in the airline sector. Because of this new area that AI has brought into the business, KQ can be on track to recovery.

And as the economy is trying to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the aviation industry must learn how to manage consumer and employee-labour relationships.

A healthy work environment fosters a culture of creativity and excellence.

A look at the industry reports in 2022, the airline moved 65,000 tonnes of cargo, increasing tonnage by 3.5 percent.

In addition, by the end of 2022, 10.3 billion Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs) were deployed, up 75 percent from the 5.9 billion reported over the same period in 2021.

Because of this, passenger load factors in 2022 were just 3.9 percentage points lower than those attained in 2019 before the pandemic.

In 2022, KQ’s revenue increased by 66 percent to Sh117 billion. In addition, passenger numbers were up 68 percent to 3.7 million compared to 2021. All these indicators show that KQ is on a recovery path.

Despite all these stellar performances given the challenges that affected the industry, there are clear signs that it has some work to do to lower operating costs that went up by 93 percent due to escalating fuel costs, forex losses, volatility of the shilling and the financial restructuring.

Further, a strategy to leverage technology for more remarkable productivity improvement is imperative. AI, for example, will assist in regaining consumer confidence, reducing costs, and improving operational efficiency.

It is also time to review its European strategy if the current partnerships restrict its expansion to directly compete with other African carriers.

A flexible partnership strategy with other airlines, travel companies, and airports is more desirable to expand its customer base, improve efficiency, and cut costs.

It is not clear why the airline’s Europe presence is limited to a few cities compared to its African rivals such as Ethiopian Airlines.

Like other airlines globally, KQ should invest in new technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and customer experience.

For example, biometric facial recognition and fingerprint scanning technologies streamline check-in and boarding processes.

Further, it will help reduce wait times and enhance security. In addition, intensify the use of self-service kiosks, mobile apps and a robust online booking platform.

Even though there are similar challenges facing the entire airline industry, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the sector expects a return to profitability next year as airlines continue to reduce losses stemming from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the airline’s challenges that are being looked into are the restructuring of its financial arrangements, which requires broader support from the government.

For instance, the government of the United States gave the aviation sector $50 billion in grants and loans in March 2020 through the Coronavirus Assistance, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Similar policies have also been adopted by other nations, such as offering airlines grants or low-interest loans to aid them with operational costs and staff retention.

Governments have yet to take steps to boost the aviation sector more generally, such as lowering taxes and fees for airlines and investing in airport facilities to promote the resumption of air travel.

With the slow recovery of air travel demand, these actions are meant to assist airlines in recovering from the pandemic and resuming sustainable operations.

We learn from others. Emirates Airlines, for example, has played a significant role in promoting Dubai as a popular tourism destination.

In addition, the airline’s marketing initiatives have contributed to developing a favourable perception of the UAE as a modern, cosmopolitan nation.

The sight of KQ in foreign airports evokes nostalgia and a sense of pride in many Kenyans. In it lies an excellent opportunity to leverage its branding potential to revive our tourism sector.

The country stands to benefit from KQ’s success as it contributes to the branding of Kenya. It symbolises Kenya’s identity and culture, and we must ensure its recovery.

Investment in technology precipitates greater profitability in the days to come.

Source: Business Daily

Air Malawi has re-introduced flights between Lilongwe and Nairobi.

Malawi Airlines is now offering customers more options and more destinations with the re-introduction of flights between Malawi and Kenya.

The airline restarted its scheduled service between Lilongwe Kamuzu International (LLW) and Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO). Malawi Airlines has also re-introduced Friday NBO flights between the two destinations.

The first flight ET51, which was operated on a Boeing 737-800, took off from NBO at 06:33 and arrived at LLW around 07:30. The flights from Malawi will be operated on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday. Meanwhile, the return flights will be operated on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Connecting Southern Africa to Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta Airport is among the busiest airports in Africa, connecting many Africans to the rest of the world. Recently, Kenya and South Africa removed visa requirements for their citizens, which gives Kenyans easier access to Southern Africa. Furthermore, adding flights on the LLW-NBO route will provide a convenient connection for Malawians and other Southern Africans to Europe, Asia, and North America.

Malawi Airlines was formerly known as Air Malawi and then Malawi Airlines until 2016. It was established as a joint venture between the Malawian government and Ethiopian Airlines, so its flights use the code ET. It is the flag carrier of Malawi; however, Ethiopian Airlines operates it under a management contract and owns a 49% stake.

The airline continues spreading its wings and offers flights to popular destinations like Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam. Its partnership with Ethiopian Airlines allows frequent flyers to earn and spend rewards on Malawi Airlines flights.

The airline had been recording losses since 2014 but has been profitable since 2021. As it has recovered from the effects of the pandemic, it has maintained its reputation for providing quality services around Southern Africa. Malawi Airlines currently has a fleet of three aircraft; two B737s and one DHC-8-Q400.

Connecting Africa with International Markets

The resumption of flights between LLW and NBO will boost intra-Africa connectivity. It comes at a time when stakeholders are making efforts to boost flights within Africa by African airlines. Kenya Airways and Astral Aviation also operate flights on this route.

In addition to intra-Africa air travel, airlines continue enhancing their international networks. As the world has opened up, we are seeing numerous African airlines flying to new destinations beyond the continent and the re-introduction of previously popular routes.

Jomo Kenyatta Airport is set to see more activity as another airline plans to connect it with international markets. Nairobi-based Astral Aviation seeks to spread its wings to Abu Dhabi, connecting Kenya with the Middle East. Following a codeshare agreement with Kenya Airways Cargo, the carrier has now signed a memorandum of understanding with Etihad Cargo.

Ethiopian Airlines is no stranger to the international market, which it continues to explore. Earlier this week, the carrier relaunched flights between Addis Ababa Bole International (ADD) and Singapore Changi International airports (SIN).

After ceasing flights due to the pandemic, Ethiopian Airlines returned to Singapore and received a warm welcome. The airline will operate four weekly flights between the two destinations. Singapore is one of the world’s financial hubs, so the resumption of these fights will boost trade and tourism between Africa and Asia.

Source: Simple Flying

(Reuters) – Global carriers warned on Monday that concerns over blocked airline funds in Africa and elsewhere could lead to interruptions in air services if there is no progress in talks to unfreeze money owed.

About $1.6 billion of funds are being withheld in various Africa countries due to currency shortages or other problems, the International Air Transport Association said in a briefing on the launch of an initiative to boost African aviation.

“The people who suffer as a result of these blocked funds are consumers in these markets, because you cannot expect airlines to continue to provide services if in effect they’re not being paid,” IATA Director General Willie Walsh said.

The issue of airline funds’ being blocked in some countries where carriers operate has been rising as demand for hard currency outpaces supply, with IATA stepping up efforts to whittle down a deficit that grew 25% in the last six months of 2022 alone.

According to the Geneva-based body, which represents most of the world’s major airlines, Nigeria tops the list of countries holding back funds, with Algeria and Ghana also involved.

A total of $2.4 billion is being blocked worldwide.

Nigeria faces severe shortages of foreign currency, meaning airlines cannot easily convert local currency to repatriate revenues earned from ticket sales by foreign airlines.

Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has said he can only continue to urge the central bank to make dollars available to airlines.

A spokesperson for the Central Bank of Nigeria did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

About half the $1.6 billion frozen in Africa is tied up in Nigeria, RwandAir Chief Executive Yvonne Makolo told the IATA briefing.

Makolo, designated as the next chairperson and first female leader of the board of the influential IATA, also called for faster progress towards setting up a common aviation market in Africa.

Efforts to liberalise flying, echoing Europe’s single aviation market, have been under discussion since a landmark treaty known as the Yamoussoukro Declaration in 1988, which was updated 11 years later.

Supporters say liberalising frequencies, fares and capacity would lift barriers that in the past have increased costs.

But despite a fresh initiative by the African Union to create a single African air transport market (SAATM) in 2018, backed by more than 30 states, implementation has been slow.

Analysts say some carriers fear they would be exposed in a market already pinched by competition from the Gulf and Turkey.

Makolo said freeing up the movement of goods and people by air would support the flagship African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which the World Bank estimates could lift tens of millions out of poverty by 2035.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for the continent, which we really need to take advantage of as quickly as possible,” she said.

Africa’s aviation market is recovering faster from the pandemic than the overall industry but is expected to remain in loss, due in part to higher costs and weak infrastructure.

Traffic is expected to double by 2035, IATA said.

Source: Reuters

Uganda Airlines restarting direct flights to Rwanda gives Simple Flying the opportunity to review Uganda Airlines’ progress.

Africa’s Uganda Airlines is restarting direct flights to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. The two countries are excited at the possibility of boosting connectivity and trade, especially as Uganda Airlines was reborn in 2023.

Restarting flights a vehicle of diplomacy

According to the Ugandan news website NewVision, the flights are intended to be a means of patching up relations between the neighboring countries of Rwanda and Uganda. After difficult times starting in 2018 until 2022, when the border was reopened – Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs hailed the progress towards healing.

“We are brothers and sisters. Indeed, there have been some difficulties but with the consensus reached by our leaders, progress has been made in normalizing relations. I am confident that through joint efforts, our excellent relations will continue to flourish in the years ahead.”

Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vincent Biruta also voiced similar sentiments. It’s worth noting that RwandAir already offers flights between the two nations.

But troubles are present for Uganda Airlines

Earlier this week, according to the Ugandan independent daily newspaper the Daily Monitor, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) Tribunal canceled a fuel and in-flight services supply contract. The PPDA found that Uganda Airlines needed to tender the contract fairly. Being the previous contract has expired, Uganda Airlines intends to promptly reopen the contract for bids.

This is part of the ongoing corruption investigation into operations at Entebbe. Bribery, extortion, and document tampering – including with passports are all being exposed. Since 2020, no less than 26 Entebbe Airport workers have been relieved of duties as a result.

Nonetheless, Uganda Airlines has ambitions

Nonetheless, Uganda Airlines has ambitious plans for its future. For instance, Airbus and Boeing are both pitching their fleets ahead of a future aircraft order. Uganda Airlines already ordered two Airbus A330-800 aircraft. There is also the distinct possibility that Embraer’s E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft may also be ordered as they offer double the capacity of Uganda Airlines’ current CRJ900s and efficient performance. Nonetheless, for an airline with only six planes – four CRJ900 and two Airbus A330neo jets – this is a significant event.

Uganda Airlines is also making plans to connect directly to London, United Kingdom. However, for the connection to happen, Entebbe Airport must meet international standards of facility and operations.

Overall, Uganda Airlines is increasingly making intra-Africa connections. One of them is to Johannesburg, South Africa to meet growing demand. The flights are now five times a week. Another connection is to Nigeria, starting last November as the first flight to West Africa.

Source: Simple Flying

RwandAir has taken delivery of an Airbus A330-200, the airline’s third long-haul aircraft.

The aircraft, registered 9XR-WX, was delivered to Kigali International Airport (KGL) on March 18, 2022, the airline said in a statement published on Twitter.  

RwandAir’s CEO Yvonne Makolo said the aircraft would allow the Rwandan flag carrier “to continue our route expansion and offer customers even more connections”. 

The new aircraft will operate to RwandAir’s key destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as to London, Brussels, Lagos, and Dubai, the statement added.  

Fleet expansion and route development 

The arrival of RwandAir’s new A330 aircraft comes four months after the airline’s cargo arm, RwandAir Cargo, received a Boeing 737-800 SF, its first cargo-dedicated aircraft. 

The freighter was delivered on November 24, 2022, and was intended to support the expansion of the airline’s cargo operations, operating to destinations in Africa and the Middle East, including Johannesburg, Nairobi, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  

RwandAir launched direct flights to London from its hub in Kigali in November 2022, operating four weekly flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The airline had previously operated three weekly flights to LHR via Brussels. 

In addition to expanding its long-haul fleet, Makolo also hinted at the airline’s plans to grow its 737 fleet and make changes to its regional fleet.  

During a podcast interview with AviaDev Insight Africa Makolo highlighted RwandAir’s plans to phase out its existing fleet of Bombardier CRJ aircraft and explore alternative options for its regional fleet. 

Source: Aerotime Hub