RWANDAIR SIGNS DEAL FOR NEW AIRCRAFT WITH BOMBARDIER
RwandAir, the national airline of Rwanda, has just signed a firm purchase order for one Bombardier Q400 NextGen, the type presented last year by the Canadian manufacturer’s sales team which showcased the aircraft across Africa. Valued at approximately 33 million US Dollars the aircraft will join two recently delivered CRJ900NextGen jet aircraft and a wetleased Bombardier Dash8-200, bringing the total fleet of RwandAir on delivery to 8 aircraft.
The new bird will be offering 67 seats in a two class configuration, allowing passengers on the routes this aircraft will be deployed the same inflight service levels as they are accustomed to when flying on RwandAir’s jets.
Said Mr. John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir, on the occasion of signing the deal:
‘As demand for domestic and regional travel in Africa accelerates, our 67-seat, dual-class
Q400 NextGen aircraft will ensure RwandAir is well positioned to offer increased capacity on popular routes that are being opened and serviced with our 37-seat Bombardier Dash 8-200 aircraft. The Q400 NextGen turboprop is the right aircraft to
develop our domestic and regional market and to firmly support RwandAir on our path towards growth and increased profitability. We are also complementing our new dual-class Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen regional jets by offering similar cabin amenities on the Q400 NextGen aircraft, providing for a seamless passenger service between the two aircraft models and aligning our total fleet strategy towards a unified passenger experience. We are developing the RwandAir brand and we are gaining momentum in the region through selection of the right aircraft and right services for our growing market‘.
RwandAir will become Africa’s 12th Q400 operator as Bombardier is widening its footprint across Africa with over 40 of these state of the art turbo prop aircraft in service.
Only last month did the airline announce the launch of new destinations with Accra and Douala in West Africa and Juba in East Africa, bringing the total destinations RwandAir will fly to from July onwards to 17 on domestic, regional, continental and intercontinental routes.
Happy Landings.
