Rwanda aviation news – Will Nigerian State Visit serve as launch pad for RwandAir’s flights to Lagos?

NIGERIAN STATE VISIT PRECURSER TO RWANDAIR FLIGHTS TO LAGOS?
Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck is expected in Kigali for a two day official state visit, aimed to discuss a more intense political cooperation as well as stronger trade and investments links between the two countries.
The visit is also considered by regular observers as a precursor to RwandAir starting flights between Kigali and Lagos, just as soon as the second B737-800 is delivered to the airline in a few weeks time. Already flying between Kigali and Brazzaville / Libreville, Lagos is seen as a natural extension of RwandAirs reach into West Africa, and it is understood that the appointed General Sales Agent in Nigeria is presently in full swing to promote the airlink between the two countries, even though the launch dates have not been officially announced as yet. There is significant interest within Nigerian business circles to invest in Rwanda, seen as a role model country for the entire continent, and banking, insurance, manufacturing and other sectors offer plenty of opportunities to attract large scale investments.
Upon delivery of the second brand new B737-800 will RwandAir own and operate a total of 7 aircraft, one Bombardier Dash 8 turboprop, two Bombardier CRJ200, two B737-500 leased from GECAS and two owned B737-800NG. This makes RwandAir the fourth largest airline in the wider East African region after Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Precision Air.

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