This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
On August 1, RwandAir will resume its flights, marking the end of a nearly five-month suspension. The airline has already started receiving forward bookings on various routes, indicating a positive outlook on demand.
Initially, RwandAir will focus on resuming flights to African destinations and Dubai, with plans to increase frequencies on other routes as demand grows. To attract more passengers, the airline has decided not to hike its fare charges. Additionally, RwandAir will offer bonus mileage and flexible pricing to its passengers.
As part of its safety measures, the airline will implement health recommendations and adjustments to improve safety and boost passenger confidence. According to CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo, "We have put all measures in place as directed by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensure that our passengers and staff are safe when we resume operations."
A Different RwandAir Experience ¶
Passengers will be required to present a certificate proving they have tested negative for COVID-19 before flying into, through, and out of the country. They will also be expected to observe physical distancing rules at airports.
As part of its new measures, RwandAir's Chief Commercial Officer, Gobena Mikael, explained that flights will now offer a lunch box hot meal instead of a served meal, minimizing contact between crew and passengers. "For airline meals and snacks services, there is going to be a significant amendment from regular service to serving bottled drinks and packed snacks consequently reducing contacts between crew and passengers," Mikael stated in an interview with CGTN.
The airline will also require passengers to wear masks and have their temperature checked before boarding. To reduce congestion, passengers will be allowed to carry only one piece of luggage per passenger. Aircrafts will feature physical distancing signage and desk shields.
