RwandAir to Add Larger Regional Jets

African carrier RwandAir is in discussions to acquire at least two new regional aircraft after recently finalising the sale of its two Bombardier CRJ200s. The two 50-seat aircraft were acquired from Lufthansa CityLine in 2009 at the start of the carrier’s fleet expansion project but the development of the market and expansion of its network have meant that it now requires larger equipment.

“The two 50-seater CRJs were our first purchased aircraft from Lufthansa Cityline and they have served us very well especially in the three hour radius of Kigali flights,” explained John Mirenge, Chief Executive Officer, RwandAir. “We have however seen the regional market grow and we feel this market and the demand it presents will be better served by an aircraft with between 70 – 110 seating capacity.”

The airline hopes to introduce the two new regional jets by June this year, but in the meantime has been forced to make some amendments to its network following their departure. Its flights will now be operated either by its Boeing 737 jets or single Dash 8-100 turboprops with frequency cuts to Nairobi (from three to two flights per day), Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam (both four times weekly instead of five).

“Having found a ready buyer, it was imperative that we immediately strike the deal and remove the equipment from our fleet. Effectively, we have also made adjustments on our schedule to proportionately accommodate our operations to match the equipment we are left with until the new regional jets are delivered”, added John Mirenge.