RwandAir receives Boeing 737-800NG to expand flight destinations

RwandAir, Rwanda's national carrier, has received a brand new Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) jet on Wednesday.

The new Boeing 737-800NG named "Kalisimbi" has been offered by Aircraft Lease Corporation, an American-based company on lease agreement to RwandAir.

In December last year, RwandAir signed a lease agreement with the American firm to acquire two brand new Boeing 737-800NG. The second Boeing 737-800 NG named "Muhabura" will be delivered in May 2017.

Karisimbi, on Wednesday landed at Kigali International Airport amidst pomp and glamour at 3 p.m. (local time) and was received by the RwandAir staff and senior Rwanda government officials.

The Rwanda aviation industry which has become one of the largest and most profitable airlines in East Africa has continued to spread wings across Africa and beyond.

Speaking at the event, Alexis Nzahabwanimana, Rwanda state minister for transport, said that RwandAir targets to expand flights across Africa and beyond to address the challenge of poor air connectivity in Africa which causes inconvenient travel schedules.

"We are proud of this important step we are taking towards boosting airline connections on the continent for easy travel and business transactions," he added.

The aircraft which is connected with wireless internet has the capacity to carry 154 passengers in a dual-class cabin configuration.

In September, RwandAir also purchased East Africa's first brand new Airbus A330-200 worth 250 million U.S. dollars, in a bid to expand flights to Africa, Asia, Europe and the US. Endit