RwandAir, the national airline of Rwanda, is making significant strides towards expanding its fleet and optimizing operations.
CEO Yvonne Makolo has unveiled the airline’s ambitious plan to double its fleet size by 2025-26, accompanied by a strategic focus on fleet rationalization. Additionally, progress is being made on the anticipated investment by Qatar Airways in RwandAir, further bolstering the carrier’s growth trajectory and enhancing its position within the African aviation industry.
Doubling the Fleet
RwandAir presently operates 13 aircraft, including three Airbus A330s, six Boeing 737s, two Bombardier CRJ900s, and two De Havilland Canada Dash 8-Q400s. The airline is set to receive its 14th aircraft next month. This delivery marks a significant milestone in the airline’s pursuit of expanding its fleet. CEO Yvonne Makolo affirms the company’s commitment, stating, “Our goal is to double our fleet size by 2025-26 and we are on track for that.”
To ensure operational efficiency, RwandAir plans to streamline its fleet around three main aircraft types, while phasing out some of its regional aircraft. Yvonne Makolo emphasizes the airline’s intention, saying, “We are looking at what can replace the regional aircraft, both the CRJs and Q400s.” By concentrating on a more standardized fleet composition, RwandAir aims to simplify maintenance procedures, optimize crew training, and improve overall operational effectiveness.
Yvonne Makolo further specifies that while she is considering the acquisition of a fourth jumbo jet, but “The majority of our fleet will be made up of 737s.” This consolidation will enable RwandAir to enhance its operational capabilities and provide consistent service quality to its passengers.
Advancing Qatar Airways Investment
RwandAir’s collaboration with Qatar Airways is rapidly progressing, with the investment deal nearing its completion. Qatar Airways had expressed its interest in acquiring a 49% stake in RwandAir back in February 2020. Despite some delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the World Cup, both parties are confident that the agreement will be finalized in the coming months. CEO Yvonne Makolo provides an update, stating, “We are in the final stages of concluding the Qatar Airways investment, which experienced delays due to the impact of COVID-19 and the World Cup. However, we anticipate finalizing the agreement in the coming months.” This investment will not only bring substantial capital but also strategic benefits, including expertise sharing, network expansion, and operational synergies, fostering the growth and sustainability of RwandAir.
RwandAir and Qatar Airways have already established a successful codeshare agreement, facilitating a 3X-weekly service between Kigali and Doha. Additionally, the two airlines are working together to establish a cargo hub at Kigali International Airport, catering to the increasing demand for air freight services. Makolo highlights the significance of cargo operations, stating, “Cargo is a really key growth area for us and through the pandemic it was really the one revenue stream that was growing year-on-year.” The collaborative efforts extend beyond operations, with both airlines implementing a loyalty partnership, enabling customers to accrue and redeem points across their reciprocal route networks, as well as access airport lounges at their respective hubs in Doha and Kigali.
SOURCE: Airspace Africa
