RwandAir, South African Airways partner as competition intensifies

RwandAir has signed a bilateral code share agreement with South African Airways (SAA) for operations between Johannesburg and Kigali.John Mirenge, the RwandAir chief executive officer, said the deal, the 4th for the airline after those with Air Uganda, Brussels Airlines and Ethiopian Airways, will be effected on December 7.

RwandAir, which flies seven times between both cities, will be operating carrier services, while South African Airways will market the route, according to the deal.

The airline will also provide seamless connectivity between its network and that of South African Airways from its hub at Oliver R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

In turn, South African Airways passengers will be able to travel between Johannesburg and Kigali using a single ticket when they are connecting from another destination outside Johannesburg.

“This code share deal will help us develop Kigali as a new aviation hub, connecting it with other existing hubs like Oliver R. Tambo International Airport and allowing the two airlines to join their respective networks,” Mirenge said.

Papa Manoj, the South African Airways general manager, said the deal is a great stride in developing Rwanda’s aviation sector.

“RwandAir’s professionalism and strong adherence to safety standards makes it a great partner in the region’s booming aviation industry.”