RwandAir to buy Bombadier Q400 NextGen turboprop

The Kigali-based airline’s order is valued at approximately $33 million.

“As demand for domestic and regional travel in Africa accelerates, our 67-seat, dual-class Q400 NextGenaircraft will ensure RwandAir is well positioned to offer increased capacity on popular routes that are being opened and serviced with our 37-seat Bombardier Dash 8-200 aircraft,” said John Mirenge, chief executive officer, RwandAir. “The Q400 is the right aircraft to develop our domestic and regional market and to firmly support RwandAir on our path towards growth and increased profitability. We are also complementing our new dual-class Bombardier CRJ900 NextGen regional jets by offering similar cabin amenities on the Q400 NextGenaircraft, providing for a seamless passenger service between the two aircraft models and aligning our total fleet strategy towards a unified passenger experience.

“We are developing the RwandAir brand and we are gaining momentum in the region through selection of the right aircraft and right services for our growing market.”

Mike Arcamone, president, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, added: “As one of our newest and fast-growing customers, RwandAir is serving Africa’s expanding domestic and international markets and we are delighted that the carrier has yet again chosen Bombardier aircraft to further develop its network of short- and medium-haul destinations.

“The Q400 NextGen turboprop has proven its capability and flexibility in many regions of the world and is operating in diverse environments. We anticipate that it will serve RwandAir and its customers very well.”

RwandAir will become the 12th operator of Q400 and Q400 NextGenaircraft in Africa. Already more than 40 Q400 and Q400 NextGenaircraft are in service with, or have been ordered by, 11 operators in nine countries in Africa.

With this transaction Bombardier has taken firm orders for 468 Q400and Q400 NextGenaircraft.

• A few days ago, in the presence of government ministers and other dignitaries, RwandAir acquired a Boeing 737-700NG.

RwandAir CEO John Mirenge noted that the acquisition complemented a young and competitive fleet. He said: “Today’s acquisition begins the decommissioning process that we have been anticipating that replaces the two aging Boeing 737-500 leased from GECAS. We expect to receive a similar aircraft in less than one month. We will then own and operate a well-diversified set of four Boeing 737 Next Generation series that are relatively young in operation, offer the latest in cabin amenities and in-flight entertainment and widen our network reach.”