By Muhamud WAYIGA
I am immensely proud of RwandAir’s new and exciting partnership with Africa World Airlines (AWA). The partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission of strengthening Rwanda’s connectivity with Africa and other regions around the globe.
The Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) between RwandAir and Africa World Airlines represents a shared vision of our two airlines for a more connected and prosperous continent. The SPA makes it easier for customers to travel between West Africa, Rwanda and our international network, with smoother connections and reduced travel times.
Additionally, the SPA benefits businesses that require seamless travel across the continent with smoother connections and reduced travel times. It also helps bring families living in Rwanda, Ghana and/or Nigeria closer together and gives tourists the means to explore some of Africa’s culturally rich, historic and vibrant countries.
AWA is a beneficial partner in the region with its strong operational reputation, extensive domestic network in Ghana and international reach into Nigeria. Its operations complement RwandAir’s, offering customers more options when travelling across the continent.
This provides a significant opportunity for our airline, allowing us to enhance our offering to customers without pulling aircraft from other routes.
With RwandAir flying to Ghana for over 10 years, this SPA is a testament to the success and growing demand of this route. Customers can now venture further into the country with additional, convenient flight options for this important market.
Stronger regional air links are a vital part of facilitating Africa’s economic growth. Working with our Ghanaian partners demonstrates our commitment to forming solid regional links and strengthening the region’s aviation industry to benefit all.
Customer experience guides all of our decisions at RwandAir and we are committed to providing the highest standards of service, reliability and safety. AWA matches this benchmark, ensuring that RwandAir customers are met with the same high level of service throughout their journey. The additional travel options will allow us to offer more affordable fares, making air travel more accessible to a broader range of people, bringing families, friends and colleagues together and reducing the barriers that have stood for many for so long.
For our West African customers, the SPA connects them to our ever-growing international network through our Kigali hub. Whether they’re heading to Europe, the Middle East or other African destinations, West African customers will benefit from the more efficient routes and seamless connections, all with the trusted service and reliability that RwandAir is known for.
As RwandAir’s Country Manager for Ghana, I am particularly excited about this agreement as it strengthens Accra’s position as a major aviation hub in West Africa with more capacity for economic growth. The SPA will boost traffic and tourism to Ghana, driving inward investment and strengthening the nation’s ties with both Rwanda and the wider region.
The continual growth of our aviation industry both in Rwanda and across the African continent is key to our economic success. This collaboration reflects a growing and encouraging trend of African airlines working together to strengthen intra-African connectivity. As our continent grows economically, we require an aviation industry that reflects this. RwandAir understands the important role it plays and continues to work towards the growing success of our continent.
I, along with the entire RwandAir community, celebrate this significant milestone. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our customers, the aviation industry in Ghana, and the broader African market.
As we continue to explore new opportunities and strengthen our network, I am confident that RwandAir will remain a key player in driving the growth and development of Africa’s aviation sector, delivering the connectivity that is crucial for our continent’s success.
>>>the writer is the Ghana Country Manager, RwandAir. He has extensive experience in the airline industry, specializing in strategic leadership, sales, and marketing. With over a decade of expertise across various regions in Africa, he has consistently delivered exceptional results in driving growth, optimizing operations, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
