RwandAir has launched a new African cargo hub in in Kigali in partnership with Qatar Airways Cargo as a part of a long-term strategic plan for the cargo division of RwandAir. The initiative will help RwandAir develop Kigali into a regional cargo powerhouse, boosting exports and imports around Africa and strengthening links with key overseas markets. Kigali has seen steady rise in cargo carried by 26% over the last five years.
RwandAir welcomed Qatar Airways Cargo Boeing 777x freighter arrival at Kigali, marking the official launch of the new cargo facility. Qatar will deploy its Boeing 777X twice weekly from Doha to Kigali with a scheduled onward service to Entebbe, Nairobi and Liège then back to Doha via either Oslo/Lyon.
Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, said: We are very proud to partner with Qatar Airways Cargo to launch today the brand-new Kigali Cargo Hub, which will open up new cargo opportunities across Africa.
Guillaume Halleux, Qatar Airways’ Chief Officer Cargo, said: “Africa is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, yet for it to develop to its full potential requires investment in logistics and infrastructures. Qatar and Rwanda have long-enjoyed bilateral trade agreements, with both Qatar Airways and Qatar Investment Authority investing in the construction of the new Kigali Airport and RwandAir. It was therefore a logical step that Qatar Airways Cargo supports RwandAir in its cargo ambitions.”
Since March 13, Qatar Airways Cargo has created intra-Africa services between Kigali and Lagos three times per week, Kigali and Johannesburg three times a week, and a weekly service from Istanbul via Doha to Kigali, all operated by a single wet-leased A310-200 freighter.