This increase follows a period of declining revenue for the airline, as it earned RWF 334 billion in 2019, dropping to RWF 300 billion in 2020 and RWF 271 billion in 2021, due to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the transportation and tourism sectors.
The report also reveals that the government provided RwandAir with RWF 192.3 billion in 2023. The company CEO, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, told The New Times that the airline experienced an exceptional economic recovery since the easing of the pandemic.
She stated, 'The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts indicate that air travel will triple in the next 20 years. The opportunities for continued growth are substantial. Our recent development is based on three factors: a significant rise in tourism, investment in cargo transport, and Kigali's growing role as a hub for various activities.'
Makolo confirmed that RwandAir has been a key pillar in advancing Rwanda's tourism, connecting Africa with other continents such as Europe and the Middle East through various routes.
She said, 'The airline has become a crucial component in the government's tourism development initiatives; the country welcomed 1.4 million tourists in 2023, nearly tripling the number received in 2021. Besides the regular tourists visiting various parks and cultural sites, Kigali is now the second most popular city for hosting conferences in Africa, after Cape Town. This tourism growth is closely linked to our routes.'
She emphasized that RwandAir has made Kigali a highly accessible destination for travelers from many countries across different continents.
Focus on Air Cargo Transport
Makolo noted that the airline's air cargo transport program will continue to be a priority to boost exports. The 2023 report from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) shows that air cargo transport increased by 22.7%, reaching 4,595 tons. The main destinations for cargo include Dubai, the UK, and Belgium.
She said, 'Promoting air cargo transport is part of government's strategy to connect Rwanda with the world through trade. Recently, two cargo flights to Dubai and Djibouti were launched and we expect to announce more routes in the near future as new aircrafts are acquired to support this growth.'
Air cargo flights from Rwanda mainly transport agricultural products to Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of Africa, while imports by air to Rwanda include goods such as medicine and industrial equipment.
Makolo also mentioned that Kigali International Airport has started receiving a significant number of passengers transiting to other countries, now accounting for 60% of all passengers using RwandAir flights.
She said, 'We increased our flights to Europe, enhancing connections between Africa and the world, and we also launched daily flights from London starting in May 2024.'
Makolo affirmed the continued efforts to turn Rwanda inti a central hub for travel in Africa, connecting various regions, and doubling its flight operations within the next five years while providing excellent services.
She added that the airline's plan to launch new routes is ongoing, with a focus on expanding into new markets that could enhance growth in Africa. Exploring business opportunities is a key focus for advancing tourism, transportation, and trade.
According to information from RwandAir website, the airline has a fleet of 14 aircrafts that comprises four Boeing 737-800NG, two Boeing 737-700NG, two CRJ900NG, two Bombardier Q-400NG all in dual class configuration, and three Airbus A330s.
IGIHE
