RwandAir lands in Mwanza, making it destination 14 for the airline


RWANDAIR CONNECTS KIGALI WITH MWANZA

Today saw the long expected launch of direct flights between Tanzanias second largest city of Mwanza, located at the Southern end of Lake Victoria, and Kigali, Rwandas capital city.
The airlines Bombardier Dash 8 turboprop will now connect the two cities three times a week to start with, offering up to 37 seats and convenient connections into the ever expanding RwandAir network on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, until growing demands might result in more flights to be added.
RwandAirs CEO John Mirenge issued a statement to the media ahead of the flights being launched in Kigali earlier today, saying: Our aim is to build a convenient network for our clients and expand our operations to key cities in the region. Mwanza doesnt have many direct flights, as most passengers connect through Dar es Salaam. From today, we offer travelers a much more convenient product by connecting through Kigali. We are happy to offer a new alternative.
On board of the flight was RwandAirs recently appointed new Commercial Director Bert van der Stege, who on arrival in Mwanza said: Were delighted to be here in Mwanza today and literally improve connections between Rwanda and Tanzania. It is now easier to visit the neighbouring country from Mwanza, do business with trade partners across the border or reach cities such as Dubai, Johannesburg, Bujumbura, Kamembe and Entebbe and of course the West African destinations of Brazzaville, Libreville and Lagos which are also served several times a week from Kigali.
Mwanza is RwandAirs 14th destination and it is understood from usually well informed sources at the airlines head office that destination 15 will be launched just as soon as the two brand new Bombardier CRJ900 jets have been delivered in October this year.
Bert van der Stege also confirmed to this correspondent earlier today that the airline has two more options for additional Bombardier CRJ900s, which going by RwandAirs track record in recent years, are more than likely to be turned into firm orders for delivery in 2013, as the rollout of planned destinations and increase in frequencies on key routes continues.