EgyptAir inaugurates Cairo-Kigali route, Trade between Egypt, Rwanda to increase

EgyptAir, the flag carrier airline of Egypt has launched two weekly flights connecting Cairo and Kigali. This is likely to enhance trade between Egypt and Rwanda and ease the cost and movement of people and goods, according to an official.

The first flight of EgyptAir, operated by the airline's Boeing 737-800's touched down at Kigali International Airport at 3:30 am on Sunday and was greeted by a 'water salute' from Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, making the EgyptAir the 8th airline to have direct flights to Kigali.

The unveiling of Cairo-Kigali route by the EgyptAir denotes Rwanda's ambition to become an aviation hub, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, the Minister of State in charge of Transport opined. "The arrival of EgyptAir affirms Rwanda's ambition to make aviation a pillar in the economic transformation of the country. We are continuing to achieve that target step by step. As part of our aviation policy, we have liberalised our airspace, which is why we are receiving our brothers from Egypt and other African countries with open arms," Uwihanganye added, as reported by The New Times.

"EgyptAir is an African airline. With Rwanda being one of the pioneers of the Single Africa Air Transport Market, which Egypt is also a member of, having EgyptAir coming here means a lot to Rwanda and it also means a lot for the bilateral relations between Egypt and Rwanda," Uwihanganye cited.

"There is a lot of potential in many areas, for instance, tea. Egypt is one of the biggest consumers of tea in Africa and the world and Rwanda produce some of the best tea in the world. This is an opportunity. Egypt also produces many materials which are needed in Rwanda. EgyptAir will facilitate trade between our two countries. Transport is a key enabler," he further said.

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