RwandAir welcomes two new Boeing 737-800 aircraft, strengthening its fleet and Rwanda's ambitions to become the region's premier aviation destination.
RwandAir, Rwanda’s national carrier, announced the addition of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its fleet. The acquisition is part of the airline’s broader strategy to expand regional connectivity and position Rwanda as a leading aviation hub in East Africa.
The first aircraft, previously operated by Malaysia Airlines, entered service earlier this month, while the second is set to begin operations as the airline rebounds from recent technical disruptions and works to strengthen its network across Africa and beyond.
The two Boeing 737-800s, each configured with 12 Business Class and 162 Economy Class seats, add a total capacity of 174 passengers per aircraft.
Primarily deployed on short- and medium-haul routes, they increase RwandAir’s operational flexibility to serve rising regional demand. With these acquisitions, the airline’s 737-800 fleet grows to eight aircraft, bringing the average fleet age to 8.9 years and underscoring its focus on efficiency and modernity.
CEO Yvonne Makolo highlighted the strategic significance of the expansion, noting that the additional aircraft will allow RwandAir to “improve reliability, strengthen schedules, and enhance the travel experience.”
The move follows a period of technical disruptions that temporarily reduced operations—a challenge now resolved as grounded aircraft return to service.
The expansion supports Rwanda’s five-year aviation growth plan, which targets a fleet increase from the current 14 aircraft to at least 21 by 2029.
According to Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye, passenger numbers are expected to more than double to 2.1 million annually, with the route network expanding from 23 to 29 destinations by the end of the decade.
Beyond passenger growth, RwandAir is investing in cargo services with dedicated Boeing 737 freighters connecting key African markets.
This diversification supports Rwanda’s role in regional trade flows while reinforcing Kigali’s positioning as a logistics hub linking Africa to global markets.
Looking further ahead, the airline is scheduled to receive a wide-body Airbus A330-200 in late 2025. This will bolster long-haul services to destinations such as London, Dubai, and possibly Guangzhou. Currently, RwandAir’s long-haul operation relies on three Airbus A330s, complemented by a regional fleet of Boeing 737s, Bombardier CRJ-900s, and DHC-8-Q400 turboprops.
The timing coincides with Rwanda’s major aviation infrastructure push, most notably the $2 billion Bugesera International Airport project.
Set to open between 2027 and 2028, the airport will feature a 130,000-square-meter terminal and the capacity to handle over 8 million passengers annually. Together with fleet expansion, this investment is designed to position Rwanda competitively against regional hubs such as Addis Ababa and Nairobi.
Strengthening partnerships is also central to this strategy. RwandAir continues to deepen its collaboration with Qatar Airways and is in discussions with the Qatar Investment Authority regarding potential equity stakes.
The airline is also developing codeshare partnerships and integrating loyalty programs with African carriers to create more seamless regional travel.
The arrival of two new Boeing 737-800 aircraft signals more than an operational boost for RwandAir—it reflects Rwanda’s determination to emerge as East Africa’s premier aviation gateway.
Backed by significant infrastructure projects and strategic international partnerships, this fleet expansion places Rwanda at the heart of Africa’s aviation renaissance, unlocking new opportunities for connectivity, trade, and tourism.
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