Aviation History
Rwanda's national aviation was rebuilt after the 1994 genocide, culminating in the launch of Rwandair Express in December 2002, rebranded RwandAir in 2009. With strong government backing and a 49% strategic investment from Qatar Airways since 2020, RwandAir has expanded from a small regional carrier into a widebody long-haul operator, positioning Kigali International Airport as a growing pan-African connecting hub.
The Rwandan government relaunched national air service as Rwandair Express, beginning operations on 1 December 2002.
The carrier rebranded as RwandAir as part of a broader push to expand its regional route network across East and Central Africa.
RwandAir achieved IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registration, an international benchmark for airline safety management.
RwandAir established a secondary hub in Cotonou, Benin, to extend its West African connectivity.
Qatar Airways acquired a 49% stake in RwandAir, boosting the airline's long-haul ambitions and route development.
RwandAir
Wikipedia, RwandAir corporate history, Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority