Qatar Airways Acquires 49% Stake in RwandAir, Boosting African Expansion

3 months ago Editor

Qatar Airways will acquire a 49 percent stake in RwandAir, enhancing its African presence and supporting Rwanda’s aviation growth. The deal, finalizing in July, strengthens RwandAir’s operations and fleet.

Qatar Airways is poised to acquire a 49 percent stake in RwandAir, Rwanda’s national airline, with the deal set to be finalized by July. This strategic move is part of Qatar Airways’ broader strategy to strengthen its foothold in the African aviation market. RwandAir stands to benefit significantly from this partnership, gaining resources to expand its fleet and operations, as highlighted by RwandAir’s CEO, Yvonne Makolo. While financial specifics remain undisclosed, the collaboration promises to enhance RwandAir’s connectivity and operational capabilities.

The investment will significantly bolster Rwanda’s aviation sector, enabling RwandAir to expand its operations and fleet, as confirmed by RwandAir’s CEO, Yvonne Makolo. Although the financial details of the stake have not been disclosed, the partnership is poised to enhance RwandAir’s connectivity and operational capabilities.

After nearly five years of negotiations, Qatar Airways and RwandAir are nearing the completion of their partnership. RwandAir already leverages Qatar Airways’ expansive network through a code-share agreement, employing three widebody aircraft for key European routes to Brussels, London, and Paris.

Qatar Airways’ investment in RwandAir underscores its commitment to Africa, a region that currently accounts for just 2 percent of global air traffic despite hosting 18 percent of the world’s population. This move aligns with Qatar Airways’ broader vision to tap into Africa’s growing travel demand and economic potential. Additionally, Qatar Airways holds a majority stake in Rwanda’s upcoming Bugesera International Airport, slated to open in 2027 with an initial capacity of 8 million passengers annually. This strategic infrastructure investment aims to solidify Rwanda’s position as a key aviation hub on the continent.

The deal has been in discussion for nearly five years, with both parties now nearing completion. As part of a code-share agreement, RwandAir already benefits from access to Qatar Airways’ extensive network, utilizing its three widebody aircraft for routes to Brussels, London, and Paris.

Despite Africa comprising about 18 percent of the global population, the continent represents only 2 percent of worldwide air traffic, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This investment by Qatar Airways aims to tap into this underrepresented market.

In addition to this stake, Qatar Airways holds a 60 percent share in Rwanda’s new Bugesera International Airport in Kigali, a $1.3 billion project slated to open in 2027. The airport will initially handle 8 million passengers annually, further enhancing Rwanda’s position as a central aviation hub in Africa.