Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the Chief Executive of RwandAir, is spearheading a strategic, high-impact drive to transform Rwanda’s national carrier and the country’s aviation sector into a formidable African hub.
Her vision is built on bold fleet growth, expanded global routes, and modernised infrastructure, with the ultimate goal of elevating the RwandAir brand to rival major regional and continental gateways, among them Uganda Airlines, which is under the Stewardship of Ms. Jennifer Bamuturaki as CEO.
Makolo’s strategy is fundamentally about leveraging key international partnerships and maximising Rwanda’s geographic advantage to become a premier destination for both passenger and cargo traffic.
Bugesera Airport as an Infrastructure Cornerstone
Central to this transformative vision is the imminent completion of the Bugesera International Airport, expected to open around 2028.
Makolo asserts that this US$2 billion project, reinforced by an additional US$500 million government commitment this year, is pivotal for Rwanda’s transformation from a landlocked to a land-linked country.
This is because Bugesera Airport is designed to position Kigali as a key African hub capable of handling significantly greater passenger and cargo volumes.
Partnership-Driven Strategy
The project is a cornerstone of Makolo’s strategy, reinforced by the strategic partnership with Qatar Airways, which includes the joint development of the facility.
This blend of private capital and international expertise is crucial for developing advanced cargo facilities, cold-chain logistics, and job creation.
Bold Fleet Expansion and Enhanced Passenger Experience
To sustain revenue growth and connectivity, Makolo is driving an aggressive fleet expansion program designed to bolster the airline’s reliability and service quality. The airline aims to double its fleet from 14 to approximately 28 aircraft within the next five years. Recent and planned enhancements include:
Capacity Boost: The addition of two Boeing 737-800s in August 2025.
Long-Haul Strength: The expected delivery of an Airbus A330-200 by late 2025.
Makolo confirms these enhancements are designed to strengthen reliability, scheduling, and the overall passenger experience, which are fundamental to building a globally competitive brand.
Expanding Routes to Fuel Trade and Tourism
The growth of the RwandAir brand is inextricably linked to expanding the country’s connectivity footprint, particularly to key trade and tourism corridors.
East Africa Focus
A new Kigali–Zanzibar–Mombasa service route will launch on December 1, 2025, operating four times weekly. This move aims to tap directly into East Africa’s lucrative trade and tourism markets.
Global Access
The airline is also planning to boost frequencies to long-haul destinations like London Heathrow and Lagos, utilising the capacity offered by the new wide-body aircraft.
By strategically developing flight routes and boosting frequencies, RwandAir, under Makolo’s stewardship, is actively facilitating Rwanda’s broader goal of driving economic growth through increased tourism and efficient trade.
Call for Partnerships and Sustainable Growth
Makolo’s overarching message is a clear call for collective effort. She urges stronger private and international partnerships to accelerate capacity expansion, attract necessary investment, and promote sustainable growth across both airport infrastructure and airline operations.
The partnership with Qatar Airways, including its code-sharing initiatives, is set to help RwandAir effectively rival major regional gateways and transform Rwanda’s aviation sector into a beacon of African connectivity.