Rwanda’s national airline, RwandAir, has announced it is set to launch direct flights to the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo on April 17. The move is significant for both Rwanda and DRC as the two countries make efforts to harmonize bilateral and trade relations.
According to the local New Times media portal, DRC is Rwanda’s main export destination, as it accounts for 86.9 percent of Kigali’s informal cross border exports.
RwandAir will reportedly fly three weekly direct flights from its Kigali hub to DR Congo’s largest airport, N’Djili International Airport. The Boeing 737-800NG flight will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, offering 15 seats in business class and 136 seats in economy class. The tickets are already up for booking via the firm’s website, sales offices and agencies, reported Africa News.
“This new route will support our growth and increase our footprint in Africa,” said Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir chief executive officer. “We also believe the addition of Kinshasa will boost business and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.”
Makolo added the Kigali-Kinshasa route is viable for both passenger and cargo business and that for a while they have been keen on launching operations on it.
RwandAir currently serves 26 destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Kinshasa will be the airline’s 23rd route in Africa, and 27th in the world. As per reports, the airline will begin flights to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia in April. It will also eventually add Guangzhou in China and Tel Aviv, Israel, to its expanding network.
DRC’s president Felix Tshisekedi pledged to cooperate with his neighbors for the benefit of all Africans at the recently concluded Africa CEO summit held in Rwanda.
Rwanda currently has unfriendly relations with its neighboring countries Burundi and Uganda.
