RwandAir slashes fares ahead of World Cup

After adding its new Boeing 737-500 to its network, the national carrier, RwandAir has announced a promotion branded “The B500 Silverback Promo”, which largely targets East Africans travelling to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup.

Thursday, June 10, 2010
Flights to SA have been slashed.

After adding its new Boeing 737-500 to its network, the national carrier, RwandAir has announced a promotion branded "The B500 Silverback Promo”, which largely targets East Africans travelling to South Africa for the FIFA World Cup.

A flight to Johannesburg before was slightly above $700 (Rwf407,560) and now has been slashed to $500 (Rwf290,874) representing a 28.6 percent reduction.  

The carrier’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication, Michael Otieno said that the company is pleased to have in possession the 108 Seater B737 at a time when most travellers are eyeing South Africa for the world’s biggest sporting event.

"The B500 Promo offers the irresistible return fare of $500 (Rwf290,874) all inclusive from Kigali, Entebbe and Nairobi. Passengers from Nairobi and Entebbe will have easy connections to Johannesburg via Kigali”. Otieno said.

The airline also announced exciting offers for the first passengers ticketed on the maiden flight from Kigali to Johannesburg where it flies every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with same day return flights to Kigali.

This week the national carrier acquired its first of the two Boeing 737-500; the aircrafts which were are part of the deal the carrier had signed with General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS), the world’s largest aircraft leaser. 

The aircrafts are to be dry leased for a renewable period of three years.

With the new fleet, the company is set to open new destinations, especially to West African countries but most especially to Johannesburg, Dubai, Addis and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Yesterday, RwandAir CEO Rene Janata also revealed that they are waiting to get the permits any time, and the new acquired Boeing is expected to start flying on Saturday or Sunday.

Management at the national carrier also revealed that the second leased Boeing 737-500 is expected to join RwandAir fleet by August 2010 to support the airlines’ network expansion drive.

Meanwhile Boeing Commercial Airplanes confirms being on course with the delivery of two Boeing 737-800 due in June and August 2011 respectively.

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