The agreement was signed on 22 May between Jean de Dieu uwihanganye, State Minister in charge of Transport in Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Ninsao Gnofam, Togo Minister of Transport at the ongoing 4-day ICAO safety symposium in Kigali.

Ultimately, the agreement will enable Rwanda’s National carrier Rwandair and Togolese Asky Airlines to fly to and from Kigali and Lome respectively with a minimum of one stopover, benefiting passengers doing business between the two regions.

“We see this agreement as an opening for our landlocked country which will open more opportunities in investment, at the time when we have increased our flights on the continent,” said Gatete.

With over 60 BASA agreements now signed by Rwanda, RwandAir may add to its 26 destinations other 22 routes plied by Togolese carrier in West and central Africa, under this agreement.

The signing of this agreement brings the number of African countries that have accepted to open their airspace to 25 out of the 54 countries on the continent.

“Our intention is to implement the open airspace agreement and this deal will enhance the current agreements that promote trade on the continent. Rwanda is leading this aspect and we want to be part of it,” said Togolese minister Gnofam.

Speaking during a brief signing ceremony at Dana Air’s Corporate Head office in Lagos, the Group Managing Director of Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani said, ‘we have taken a bold step towards achieving our strategic route and fleet expansion program. With this partnership, we shall be adding some brand new aircraft to our fleet soon.’’

‘We have also had advanced talks with some other notable aircraft manufacturers and very soon, some of our aircraft outside the country on maintenance will also be arriving. This is part of our desire to provide options for our guests who have also been requesting us to consider some under-served cities in Nigeria. We want to assure our guests of our commitment towards providing safe, reliable, affordable and world-class air transport services in Nigeria.’’

Also speaking at the signing ceremony, the CEO of Asky airlines, Mr. Ahadu Simachew said, ‘Dana Air having survived the sundry issues in the aviation industry for ten years and still waxing stronger, appears to us as the most experienced and well-managed airline in Nigeria, with a very strong, passionate and creative management team. We are happy to have reached an agreement and we believe this is good for Nigeria and Africa.’’