Qatar Airways has further expanded operations in Africa with the launch of daily scheduled flights to Rwanda.
A dramatic water salute soon after touchdown at Kigali International Airport signalled the arrival of Qatar Airways to its 113th international destination – a remarkable feat for an airline celebrating only 15 years of operations.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker flew on the inaugural service from Doha, and received a colourful welcome by traditional Rwandan dancers followed by an airport ceremony attended by over 150 guests, including government ministers, local dignitaries, business leaders, airport officials and media. Chief guest was Rwanda’s Honourable Minister of Infrastructure, Albert Nsengiyumva.
During an arrival speech at the city’s international airport Al Baker (above) said: "With a strong focus on operating to underserved markets worldwide, Kigali is one destination which clearly fitted the bill for Qatar Airways.
“We have extended our reach to yet another underserved market with today’s launch of flights to Kigali. I would like to thank the Rwandan government, the local airport authority and the people of Rwanda for supporting Qatar Airways’ entry to this beautiful country.
“The direct daily air link between my home city of Doha and Kigali is further testament to Qatar Airways’ commitment to expanding our presence in Africa and East Africa in particular, a dynamic region to where we already fly twice daily to both Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, and daily to Entebbe.
“Our newest route connects the mineral rich Rwandan landscape with the energy rich nation of Qatar, neighbouring Gulf states and cities around the world,” added Al Baker, stressing that Africa continued to be a focus of growth for Qatar Airways this year as it plans further expansion across the Continent.”
The Honourable Minister of Infrastructure, Albert Nsengiyumva, in his welcome address, said the arrival of a young and dynamic airline from the Middle East was a great boost for the aviation sector in Rwanda: “The coming of Qatar Airways signals mutual development which will have a positive impact on the economic growth of both Rwanda and Qatar and the CEO’s leadership of the award-winning airline was highly commendable.”
In recent months, Qatar Airways launched new African services to Benghazi in Libya and the Ugandan city of Entebbe, with a further three route start-ups planned over the next few months – Mombasa in Kenya, and both Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar in Tanzania.
Rwanda is fast emerging as a growing economic centre, forming strong trade links with Europe and the Far East, thanks largely to its rich mineral resources. The country’s economy is largely based on agriculture but has thriving mineral and tourism industries.
Home to the mountain gorilla, Rwanda attracts tourists from around the world fascinated by the country’s wildlife and natural beauty.
The Kigali flights are operated via Entebbe in Uganda. Passengers can purchase tickets between Kigali and Entebbe, allowing them to travel on business or leisure between the two cities.
The addition of daily flights to the Rwandan capital Kigali takes Qatar Airways’ East African coverage, including Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, up to 42 flights every week.
Other destinations currently served across Africa from Doha are Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos, Khartoum, Seychelles, Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Benghazi, Tripoli, Algiers, Tunis and Casablanca.
Article Source : Arabian Aerospace
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