Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub has gained momentum with the national carrier RwandAir now able to access 17 African countries under the recently launched Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) pilot programme that seeks to create a single unified air transport market in Africa.
RwandAir currently operates 12 aircraft across 28 destinations in 22 countries across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
However, its capacity is expected to double next year when it concludes negotiations with Qatar, which is set to acquire a 49 percent stake.
Qatar Airways’ planned investment is valued at least $28 million, according to financial statements submitted to the US Department of Transportation last year.
Negotiations to be concluded
Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir chief executive, confirmed to The East African this week that negotiations will soon be concluded, although the two airlines have already expanded their partnership-www.theeastafrican.co.ke
