RwandAir, an emerging airline in the region, is yet to launch a flight to Europe due to lack of the long haul aircraft.

Currently, Rwanda is operating short haul flights of a maximum of six hours around the African continent with the only flight outside the continent being Dubai.

Last week, the airline launched a new route to Mwanza in the United Republic of Tanzania, making its 14th destination as it seeks to grow its market share.

The airline will operate three weekly flights on its Dash 8 flight with a 38 passenger capacity.

READ: RwandAir to launch flight to Mwanza

“As soon as we expand our fleet and add long haul aircraft which are bigger and can fly longer distances, then we can think about other markets such as Europe and Asia,” Bert Van der Stege, RwandAir’s commercial director, told Rwanda Today.

RwandAir’s fleet currently consists of four Boeing-737 aircraft and one Bombardier Dash-200 series though it has placed an order for two new CRJ 900 regional jets to arrive in October.

However, Mr Stege also denied suggestions that RwandAir’s aircraft were not allowed into European airspace because of their mechanical condition.

“We are operating brand new aircraft which are state of the art and the maintenance is done by South Africa,” said Mr Stege.

Currently, RwandAir flies to all the East African capitals as well as Lagos, Libreville and Brazzaville though it plans to have more destinations by November.

RwandAir is targeting the trade in minerals and fish from Mwanza.

“This flight will not only enhance trade but also cultural exchange between the people of Tanzania and Rwanda,” said John Mgodo, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in Tanzania’s Ministry of Transport at the launch.

Mr Mgodo said the business is viable since Mwanza is the second largest city in Tanzania, with over 800,000 inhabitants, and a business centre for regions around Lake Victoria including neighbouring countries.

According to RwandAir CEO John Mirenge, the airline aims to build a convenient network for its clients and expand operations to key cities in the region.

The airline plans to phase out the use of its 50-seater single cabin CRJ-200 as it grows its fleet in negotiations with Europe’s Airbus and Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace conglomerate, for future acquisition of aircraft.