Delivery marks first purchased 737 for RwandAir and first Boeing Sky Interior owned by an African airline
RwandAir yesterday received its first Boeing 737-800NG with the new Boeing Sky Interior at Kigali International Airport amidst a warm reception from guests and visitors who have been monitoring its journey since it left Seattle-USA two days ago. RwandAir becomes the first African carrier to own and operate Boeing's innovative interior.
"For the first time in its brief history, RwandAir has bought – directly from the manufacturer aircraft to add to its fleet. Prior to the delivery of this Boeing 737 – 800, our fleet has been drawn from a combination of wet leases, dry leases and purchase of second hand aircraft." said John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir.
"Today's achievement for us is a very significant one because RwandAir has been deeply involved in the process of putting together this aircraft from the drawing board to completion.
We have not just brought home an aircraft, but a state of the art equipment that bears our touch from the first bolt to the last finishing touch. Every aspect of its engineering, comfort, efficiency and design has had our input".
Speaking at a well-attended function held at Kigali International Airport, Hon. Albert Nsengiyumva, the Minister for Infrastructure, Government of Rwanda said, '' For us, a well-developed air transport system is directly linked to attracting both foreign and domestic investment in Rwanda. In the long run, even the cost of doing business is greatly reduced with an efficient and reliable transport system." He further added that RwandAir's turnaround and growth could not have come at a better time than now when the entire continent is making mega-investments in infrastructural developments.
The delivery sets two milestones both for the central African carrier and the continent as a whole. It is the first 737 delivered to any African nation fitted with the new Boeing Sky Interior. It is also RwandAir's first new aircraft purchased directly from Boeing.
"Today is a proud day for RwandAir as well as the country of Rwanda," said Dr. Alex Nzahabwanimana, Minister of Transport for Rwanda. At a grand celebration dinner at Seattle's Museum of Flight on Wednesday night, Nzahabwanimana also expressed the government's commitment to using aviation for the betterment of the landlocked nation's developing economy
The Boeing Sky Interior introduces new cove lighting and curving architecture that create a distinctive entryway. Passengers will enjoy a more open cabin and a soft blue-sky overhead simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. The new interior also brings new, modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals to draw passengers' eyes to the view outside the window.
Operating from Kigali as its hub, RwandAir's fleet includes two Boeing 737-500, two CRJ200 and a Dash8-200. With its new Next-Generation 737-800s, RwandAir will provide a memorable travel experience to its valued customers. The second Boeing 737 -800 is expected this October 2011.
The 737-800 is a stretched version of the 737-700, and replaces the 737-400. It also filled the gap left by the decision to discontinue the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and MD-90 following Boeing's merger with McDonnell Douglas. The -800 was launched by Hapag-Lloyd Flug (now TUIfly) in 1994 and entered service in 1998. The 737-800 seats 162 passengers in a two-class layout, or 189 in one class, and competes with the A320.
The 737-800 is also among the models replacing the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and MD-90 series aircraft in airline service; it burns 850 US gallons (3,200 L) of jet fuel per hour, or about 80% of the fuel needed by an MD-80 on a comparable flight, even while carrying more passengers than the latter. According to the Airline Monitor, an industry publication, a 737-800 burns 4.88 US gallons (18.5 L) of fuel per seat per hour. The fuel cost of each such flight (2008 prices) on a 737-800 is about $8,500.00.
SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY