Last November I wrote about how RwandAir's CEO went on record as saying that he wanted the airline to start flying between Kigali and New York in 2019, using an A350. I have a lot of respect for RwandAir -- I think they're trying to do good things, they seem like a cool little airline,…
Continue reading: RwandAir Plans To Fly To The US Starting In August 2018
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
If there is a nonstop flight from NYC to KGL, I'll definitely be game as I have always wanted to go to Serengeti and this would be a fairly painless/ direct way to get there. However, if I have to go through Europe/ Middle East, then I might as well find an airline with better product to fly in to get to Africa.
It would be great if there is a nonstop flight from west coast to DPS/ BKK instead of transferring through HK or Tokyo. You would think there is enough traffic to render such flights. But then again, I guess leisure traveler aren't very profitable for airlines.
Definitely agree that JFK-KGL is unlikely to turn a profit. Are you still planning to fly them soon? I would be very curious to see what their business class is like compared to South African Airways, EgyptAir or Ethiopian Airlines. RwandAir for sure has better seats but it would be interesting to see the food, lounge and service they provide.
People pay like 5k to go see gorillas in Rwanda. This route may very well be successful.
I doubt Kigali airport will be approved to fly direct to the US. The security is not up to US standards.
Lucky ...You of course are aware that Rwanda has had the Largest Gold and copper discovery within the last 10 years ?!?
FYI... Bugeseara International Airport is an airport project in Rwanda. The USD818 million airport will be located 25km southeast of Kigali, feature a 4200m runway and have capacity for 1.8 million passengers p/a following the completion of first phase works in Dec-2018. Total construction is expected to be complete by 2019 and will include the runway, cargo terminal and passenger terminal with capacity for 4.5 million passengers p/a. Mota Engil Engenharia e Construcao Africa SA replaced China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) as the key contractor for the project. Construction commenced in 2016.
Why not?! Kenya Airways is launching a nonstop flight from NY to Nairobi in October. I believe Rwanda will come through—probably after the new airport is complete. As far as their security, they are just good and far better than some of the countries already flying direct. Go Rwanda!
Front a profitability standpoint a nonstop from Kigali to New York makes no sense. But at least one stop or two will definitely make sense. First Lagos (or Douala), Second Dakar (or Abidjan), if I were the CEO that's what I will do.
I think New York is over saturated, it would be nice if there was an African airline that flies directly to Orlando and Miami, both two cities heavily dependent and ready for more tourists. Secondly, I would like to see Rwanda Air brings African tourists to the Caribbean.