Rwanda's growing national carrier Rwandair (WB) has set its sights on expanding its regional footprint and uplifting more passengers in the hopes of becoming a profitable airline by 2015. |
| Rwandair's 787 - due in 2015? (Boeing) |
According to a Bloomberg interview with Rwandair's CEO, John Mirenge, as passenger demand continues to climb, the airline is set to launch flights to the South Sudanese capital, Juba, along with the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar and the Ghanaian capital, Accra, by May. Flights to Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, and a much speculated Cape Town flight will also be added later this year.
No mention was made about a possible Lusaka flight, as reported last year.
Despite its strong passenger growth figures, the carrier's planned
privatisation bid has stalled because, according to Mr Mirenge, the company is not making any profits presently to attract investors.
“To be able to privatize or send floating shares to stock markets, there is a beautification process that takes place,” Mirenge said. “This process includes breaking even, keeping track records and engaging in a standardization process.”
Source [Bloomberg]
Last year, Rwandair stated it was "evaluating placing an order" for two Boeing 787-8s for use on possible long-haul flights to China and Europe from 2015.
Thanks to RwandanFlyer.