RwandAir, Qatar Airways launch African Cargo Hub for enhanced services at KIA

RwandAir in partnership with Qatar Airways have launched a new African cargo hub at Kigali International Airport.

The official launch of the Kigali Cargo Hub on Wednesday 3rd May 2023 was marked with the arrival of a new Qatar Airways Cargo Boeing 777 freighter that was welcomed with a water salute

The launch was officiated by Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer, Cargo, Qatar Airways, and Yvonne Makolo, Chief Executive Officer, RwandAir.

As an official release from Qatar Airways Cargo indicates, the Boeing 777 aircraft will operate a biweekly service from Doha to Kigali.

Qatar Airways Cargo has also introduced an intra-Africa service connecting Kigali and Lagos (thrice per week), and a weekly service from Istanbul via Doha to Kigali, both operated by an Airbus A310 aircraft. New destinations from Kigali will be announced shortly, according to the release.

In preparation for the Kigali Cargo Hub launch, QAS Cargo, a subsidiary of Qatar Airways, provided consultancy support to RwandAir Cargo to enhance its cargo handling performance.

Officials at the inauguration of African Cargo Hub at KIA.

QAS Cargo visited the cargo handling facilities and presented RwandAir with a detailed action plan for operational improvements and handling performance.

Both teams are now working together on a future roadmap, which includes a proposed improvement plan for warehouse infrastructure as part of a long-term strategic plan for RwandAir’s cargo division.

Halleux commented on the partnership, stating that Africa is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, requiring investment in logistics infrastructures.

Qatar Airways Cargo’s support for RwandAir’s cargo ambitions is a logical step considering the long-standing bilateral trade agreements between Qatar and Rwanda.

Customers will benefit from a reliable intra-African network via the Kigali hub, enhanced service levels, and cost synergies. The partnership aims to establish Kigali as the Central African hub in preparation for the next generation of air cargo on the rapidly growing continent.

Qatar Airways Cargo currently serves 28 cities in Africa, carrying up to 2,800 tonnes to and from the continent with a combination of freighter and belly-hold services.

The airline’s freighter fleet comprises two Boeing 747-8 freighters, two Boeing 747-400 freighters, 26 Boeing 777 freighters, and one Airbus 310 freighter. Qatar Airways Cargo covers a global network of over 60 freighter destinations and 150 passenger destinations utilizing freighters and belly-hold passenger flights.

The CEO of RwandAir, Yvonne Makolo told the media that the new Kigali Cargo Hub will open up new cargo opportunities across Africa.

“Africa is home to a hugely diverse economy, with businesses and entrepreneurs looking for better connections to create new markets and expand inward investment. Together, we have created a fantastic new facility to meet this growing demand across Africa.”