May 23, 2025
KIGALI, Rwanda – RwandAir is embarking on an ambitious five-year growth plan that includes doubling its aircraft fleet while strategically shifting focus to Eastern and Southern African markets, CEO Yvonne Makolo announced this week.
Speaking at the African Airlines Association’s 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention in Kigali, Makolo outlined the carrier’s response to recent operational challenges and its vision for sustained expansion across the continent.
Strategic Route Realignment
The Rwandan national carrier is pivoting toward underserved destinations in Eastern and Southern Africa, with immediate plans to launch direct flights to Mombasa, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania. This strategic shift comes as the airline adapts to the closure of Democratic Republic of Congo’s airspace to Rwandan aircraft, which forced RwandAir to suspend services to Brazzaville, Abuja, and Cotonou.
“We are putting that capacity on more of the eastern and southern routes in terms of introducing additional frequencies, and we are looking at opening new routes,” Makolo explained during the May 12-14 aviation summit. “Until the issue is resolved, we want to focus more on the eastern and southern routes of the continent.”
The airline currently operates 28 routes connecting 21 destinations across 18 countries, positioning it as a significant player in African aviation connectivity.
Fleet Expansion Plans
Central to RwandAir’s growth strategy is an ambitious plan to double its current fleet of 14 aircraft within five years. The expansion is designed to support revenue growth and increased flight frequencies across the airline’s network.
The carrier’s current fleet includes a mix of owned and leased aircraft: two Airbus A330-200s, one A330-300, six Boeing 737 variants (including one freighter), two Bombardier CRJ900ERs, and two DHC-8-Q400s regional aircraft.
Financial Recovery
RwandAir’s expansion plans are underpinned by strong financial performance, with the airline reporting an impressive 82% revenue increase in 2023. The carrier generated RWF620.6 billion (approximately USD435 million), up from RWF341 billion (USD238 million) in 2022, marking a significant reversal from the declining trend experienced between 2019 and 2021.
Addressing Industry Challenges
Makolo acknowledged the operational challenges facing African aviation, particularly the high costs associated with fuel, taxes, airport charges, maintenance, and overflight fees that contribute to elevated ticket prices across the continent.
To combat these issues, RwandAir is pursuing a multi-pronged approach that includes engaging with airports and governments while implementing internal efficiency measures. The airline is adopting more fuel-efficient flight practices and streamlining its fleet composition to reduce training and staffing costs associated with operating multiple aircraft types.
Looking Ahead
As RwandAir navigates regional political challenges while pursuing aggressive growth targets, the airline’s ability to execute its expansion plans will depend on successful route development in Eastern and Southern Africa and the eventual resolution of access restrictions in Central and West African markets.
The carrier’s strong financial recovery and strategic repositioning suggest confidence in Africa’s aviation market potential, despite ongoing operational complexities that continue to challenge airlines across the continent.
This article is based on reporting from ch-aviation and statements made at the African Airlines Association’s 13th Aviation Stakeholders Convention held in Kigali, May 12-14, 2025.
