African Aerospace Update - RwandAir Providing Passengers With Internet And Mobile Phone Services

RwandAir will become the fourth African airline to choose SITAONAIR as its connectivity provider.

RwandAir has two A330s, both of which will be line fitted with mobile phone and Wi-Fi services. The first A330 will be delivered in October 2016.

SITAONAIR is the leading inflight connectivity provider in Africa, with more airline customers in the region than any other provider.

RwandAir is an international airline flying to all parts of Africa and the Middle East. It needs to offer passengers with consistent inflight connectivity coverage wherever it flies. SITAONAIR connectivity uses Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband, which provides consistent global coverage, along with an option to upgrade to GX Aviation when it comes to market, in 2016. Combined with SITAONAIR’s worldwide network of regulatory authorizations, this means SITAONAIR can provide RwandAir’s passengers exactly the same level of service on both African and Middle Eastern routes.

“With connectivity expanding in the African aviation market and RwandAir continuously trailing blazes in customer services automation, it is imperative for RwandAir  to be among the first airlines to offer mobile phone and Wi-Fi services to passengers travelling in the Central- Eastern part of Africa,” said Jean Paul Nyirubutama, Deputy CEO & COO of RwandAir. “With SITAONAIR, we can provide our esteemed customers with the connectivity they expect from us, as well as formulate a plan for the easy upgrade to GX Aviation when it becomes available."

“African carriers are choosing SITAONAIR because of our proven credentials in the region and around the globe,” said Stephan Egli, Regional Commercial VP, ME&A of SITAONAIR. “Only we can deliver the consistent global coverage that passengers want, so they can stay in touch with the family, friends and colleagues throughout their journey.”

SITAONAIR’s SwiftBroadband solution has a clear upgradable path to GX Aviation, Inmarsat’s imminent high speed network. SITAONAIR’s service is ready for the next major step in inflight connectivity.

Source - African Aerospace

RwandAir Firms Order For Two AirBus A330 Aircrafts

The AirBus A330-200

The A330-200 will feature a three class cabin layouts which will have 244 seats (20 business class, 21 premium and 203 economy class).

The AirBus A330-300

The A330-300 will have 274 seats (30 business class, 21 premium and 223 economy class)

Both aircraft will be equipped with Rolls Royce Trent 772B engines 

RwandAir has signed a firm contract with Airbus for an A330-200 and a larger A330-300, at a signature ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda.

With this order RwandAir becomes a new Airbus customer and is the first East African customer for the long-haul airliner. This agreement firms up a commitment announced earlier this year.

Aircraft deliveries will begin in the second half of 2016, enabling the country’s carrier to deploy its new flagship aircraft on medium and long-haul routes serving destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

“As we look to introduce wide body aircraft for the first time into our fleet, with its proven economics, reliability and passenger comfort, we have found the A330 to perfectly support our plans to expand into Europe and Asia, to enhance our regional presence, to open up new routes and to grow our market share. We are also delighted to have these aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce, as the Trent 700 engine delivers the most efficient and reliable power, and will maximize the revenue earning potential of our new aircraft’’ said John Mirenge, Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir. 

“We are extremely pleased that RwandAir has confirmed its confidence in the A330, and are happy to welcome them as a new A330 customer,” said Christopher Buckley, Executive Vice President, Africa, Europe and Asia Pacific. “Their Passengers will enjoy best-in-class passenger comfort that only Airbus offers as well as the newest state of the art in-flight entertainment system. Rwandair will be able to benefit with the A330s from the unique combination of unbeatable economics, versatility and fuel efficiency.” 

To date the A330 Family, which spans 250 to 300 seats, has attracted more than 1,500 orders and around 1,200 A330s are flying worldwide with over 100 operators.