RwandAir and Turkish Airlines sign Memorandum of Understanding

RwandAir the national carrier of Rwanda and Turkish Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will see the two airlines collaborate closely on schedule synchronization, code sharing, technical support and training. The MOU, was signed at Turkish Airlines Headquarters by Mr. John Mirenge, RwandAir CEO and Mr. Temel Kotil CEO President of Turkish Airlines at the conclusion of a two-day visit by a senior RwandAir/Rwanda government delegation headed by the Rwanda Minister for Transport & Infrastructure, Hon Alexis Nzahabwanimana.

Under this agreement, the two airlines will offer passengers from Kigali and RwandAir network seamless travel to Europe and North America, and vice versa, on the same ticket. “On a single ticket, passengers will be able to check through their luggage to the destination of their choice on the RwandAir & Turkish Airlines networks”, John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir commented. He added that “RwandAir stands to benefit from access to Turkish Airlines sales and distribution network and the large market of visiting friends and relatives (VFR) who travel to East Africa annually from Europe and North America”.

The Minister of Transport & Infrastructure Hon Alexis Nzahabwanimana commended the two airlines for the venture that is bound to be of mutual benefit which will spin off a win-win synergy for both organizations and the two countries of Rwanda and Turkey.

The delegation to Turkey also included the Director General of Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Richard Masozera, The Presidential Advisor, Prof. Manasseh Nshuti, and RwandAir management team.

Later this week RwandAir takes delivery of its first Boeing 737-800 with the first “Boeing Sky Interior” for the African continent. The welcome ceremony will be held at Kigali International Airport on 27 August 2011.