Rwanda airline moves to operate five more routes
Rwanda has ratified the Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with five countries allowing national carrier RwandAir to operate in five additional routes.
The parliament approved the ratification during the week.
RwandAir’s growth plans have been severely hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic. But the agreements will help broaden business activities and permit designated airlines of contracting countries to operate commercial flights that cover the transport of passengers and cargo between Rwanda and those countries, said Claver Gatete, Rwanda’s Minister for Infrastructure.
Rwanda ratified agreements with Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Somalia and Tunisia, bringing the total number of BASAs ratified by parliament to 52. The country is also expected to sign agreements with South Korea and Malta.
Rwanda has so far invested over $2 billion to revamp its airline operations and recently signed a partnership with the Qatar government that will help the country develop its aviation sector.
“As landlocked country, we have no option of getting external trade opportunities without using air transport, and even supporting RwandAir to fly into different destinations promoting the country’s image and diplomacy,” Mr Gatete told parliament.
According to Ms Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the chief executive officer of RwandAir, BASAs beneficial for the carrier will make it easier for the company to start new routes.