Qatar Airways eyes Rwanda

Qatar Airways plans to launch flights between Entebbe qnd Kigali, a senior official has said. Last week, the airline expanded its business operations in Africa by launching operations in Entebbe, Uganda.

Monday, November 07, 2011
Qatar airways plane. The New Times / Gashegu Muramira

Qatar Airways plans to launch flights between Entebbe qnd Kigali, a senior official has said.

Last week, the airline expanded its business operations in Africa by launching operations in Entebbe, Uganda.

"We shall soon start talks with both the governments of Uganda and Rwanda on granting us rights to fly from Entebbe to Kigali,” Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer told Business Times in an interview in Kampala.

Entebbe is also the carrier’s third East African destination in a regional network that already covers Kenya and Tanzania.

 "We are seriously targeting Rwanda because it’s not only a focused and stable country but also fast becoming a business hub,” Al Baker added.

The Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), Dr Richard Masozera, said that the airline had expressed an interest in joining the Rwandan market.

"They have made some contacts to that effect,” Masozera said.

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