RwandAir, the national carrier of Rwanda and Africa’s fastest growing airline, launched direct flights from Kigali to Mwanza earlier this month, its third destination in Tanzania and the 14th in its rapidly expanding network. The airline’s inaugural service operated on July 2, 2012 and will fly on a three times weekly basis using a 37-seat Bombardier Dash 8-200 turboprop.
The airline is currently the sole operator on the route and passengers flying to Tanzania’s second city have previously had to connect via the capital Dar es Salaam. On arrival on the inaugural flight, Bert van der Stege, Commercial Director of RwandAir said: “We’re 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”.
RwandAir is becoming recognised for its revised business model and establishing its base at Kigali International Airport as a convenient location for connecting passengers. Small in size, the airport is able to provide seamless transfers and a personalised service developing the heart of Africa a great alternative transit point for passengers.
“Our aim is to build a convenient network for our clients and expand our operations to key cities in the region. Mwanza doesn’t have many direct flights, as most passengers connect through Dar es Salaam. We now offer travellers a much more convenient product by connecting through Kigali. We are happy to offer a new alternative,” said John Mirenge, Chief Executive Officer, RwandAir.
Mwanza is the capital city of Mwanza region on the shores of Lake Victoria in northwestern Tanzania. With over 800,000 inhabitants, Mwanza is the second largest city in Tanzania and a main business centre for regions around Lake Victoria and neighbouring countries of Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda. The city is surrounded by rocky hills dotted with massive granite boulders. Mwanza and other regions around Lake Victoria are rich in minerals and precious metals. Outside of Mwanza, small farms dot a rolling, semi-arid savannah. Local industries include fishing, textiles, bottling and light manufacturing. Despite its size, Mwanza city centre is compact and easy to navigate on foot.
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