Intra-African connectivity will boost trade, tourism – Rwandan high commissioner
The Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Stanislas Kamanzi has said that there is a need for Africa to be inter- connected by air so as to boost trade and tourism.
He added that a situation in which African countries still have problems of intra – country flight connectivity is unacceptable.
Kamanzi noted that such difficulties in intra – African connectivity remains a huge challenge, wasting valuable time and resources that could be used to develop Africa.
Speaking during the arrival of the Rwand Air newly acquired Airbus 330 – 200 he said, “With this aircraft, people and business could move across borders”
Kamanzi described the arrival of the Airbus into Nigeria as a milestone by the East Africa carrier, saying the aircraft is part of efforts to improve the national carrier of the country in offering seamless connections into and out of Africa.
He said Rwand Air will take delivery of another aircraft next month to enable the airline contribute its quota in growing air transportation in Africa.
According to him, “We have to thank Nigeria for accommodating Rwand Air and for allowing our airline develop Lagos as a hub over West Africa . From Lagos, we have expanded our operations into Ghana, Conakry, Abidjan .
The aircraft flew in passengers from the Kigali , the capital of the East African country ; its major hub into Lagos, its hub for West Africa .
The new aircraft is the latest addition in the fleet of nine airplanes by the ambitious carrier set to take over the African skies with new product offerings ranging from competitive fares to extra luggage allowance for its teeming passengers.
Speaking at the welcome ceremony at the international wing of the Lagos Airport, Ibiyemi Odusi, Rwand Air , Country Manager said the arrival of the Airbus 330 – 200 is one the steps taken by the airline to consolidate on the Nigerian route with attractive packages that would make the carrier the preferred choice by passengers.
She said the configuration of the Airbus with Flat Bed on the Business Class, luxurious space at the Premium Economy Cabin and other seats in the Economy Cabin makes the 244 passenger seat aircraft the best on the Nigerian – Kigali and other routes the best.
Odusi called on Nigerian passengers to continue to patronise Rwand Air to destinations within and outside Africa to enable the airline resolve the lingering challenge of flight connectivity within Africa.
Ifeoma Okeke