Qatar airways prepares for Rwanda launch

Qatar Airways is set to begin daily flights to Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport later this week. Joining the airline’s aggressively expanding route map, Kigali is the third destination launched by the carrier so far this year and latest to the African continent. In February, the airline began services to both Azerbaijan and Georgia. Operating via Entebbe, Kigali becomes Qatar Airways’ 17th route in Africa, joining its ever-growing global network that currently spans 112 destinations. Further expansion is planned across East Africa during 2012 with new services to Mombasa, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro. Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “We are pleased to be reinforcing our presence in Africa with the addition of scheduled flights to Rwanda, allowing us to further expand our business on the African continent.” Rwanda is fast emerging as a growing economic centre, forming strong trade links with Europe and Asia Pacific, thanks largely to its rich mineral resources. For passengers travelling on Qatar Airways, they will have convenient access from the airline’s expansive route network to Rwanda, via the airline’s strategically positioned Doha hub. Key feeder markets include India, Australia, China, the United States and United Kingdom. Al Baker added: “There is clearly demand and huge potential to and from Rwanda, one of many underserved markets across Africa. “As a network global carrier we are able to fulfil the needs of the travelling public from such markets and for those wanting to travel there from destinations we serve around the world.” The exposure of Rwanda to the world through the airline’s global network will enable the country to attract more tourists, with several attractions focusing on wildlife and natural scenic beauty.