London, UK, 18 June 2019 - The launch of new long-haul services to Israel and China signals the continuing expansion of RwandAir, one of Africa’s most ambitious airlines.

Beginning today, the Kigali-based airline will now start flying to Guangzhou, three times a week; RwandAir’s first Chinese destination.

Tagged to the existing Mumbai route, the flight will be operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus A330 aircraft, offering customers a choice of seats in three cabins, including lie-flat beds in Business Class.

Flights to Tel Aviv will connect tourists and business travellers to Israel via the airline’s Kigali hub three times a week, starting from Tuesday 25 June 2019. The route will be operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, offering 16 seats in Business Class and 138 seats in Economy Class.

Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, said: “The launch of these two major new services to our growing route network demonstrates our continuing commitment to expanding Rwandair to new markets overseas. New flights to Guangzhou and Tel Aviv will strengthen and deepen the growing ties between key destinations and Rwanda’s growing economy.

“We believe the new premium service we offer, on one of Africa’s most modern aircraft fleets, will facilitate an increase in the volume of trade between Africa and Guangzhou, China’s third largest city. The new route will also offer more choice for customers, help pave the way for new business opportunities and increase our cargo traffic.

“Known as one of the world’s leading tech hubs, Tel Aviv is another valuable addition to our growing route network. We look forward to flying business and leisure travellers alike to the exciting city of Tel Aviv. The new route will also be a great opportunity to strengthen diplomatic ties between Israel and Rwanda.”

Guangzhou is renowned for its shopping facilities and popular tourist attractions, such as the iconic Canton Tower. The city’s Chimelong Tourist Resort features an amusement park, an international circus, and highly-popular water and safari parks. Guangzhou will be RwandAir’s second destination in Asia, following Mumbai which launched in 2017.

Tel Aviv, the economic and technology centre of Israel, offers a fascinating blend of impressive architecture, beautiful Mediterranean beaches and a buzzing cultural scene. The city will be RwandAir’s second destination in the Middle East, after Dubai.

The expansion of RwandAir’s route network is designed to generate new passenger traffic and help boost Rwanda’s thriving economy. In addition to new destinations, Rwandair is also planning to add two new state-of-the-art Airbus A330neo aircraft to its fleet later this summer.

Travellers choosing to fly with RwandAir can enjoy the latest in-flight entertainment, spacious cabins, complimentary drinks and dining, Wi-Fi and fully-flat seats in Business Class, on select long-haul flights.

Customers can also take advantage of an extremely generous baggage allowance of up to two bags of 23 kg each in Economy Class, two bags of 32 kg each in Premium Economy Class and three bags of 23 kg each in Business Class.

Tickets for Guangzhou and Tel Aviv flights are now available for sale through rwandair.com, sales offices and travel agencies.