RwandAir excites Africa as it makes IFEC experience a reality

On a recent vacation in Nairobi I was surprised to watch an advert on Prime time showcasing the features of the much awaited landing of Ubumbwe, meaning unity, the first of the two A330 fleet, consisting of A330 – 200 and A330 -300 aircraft ordered by RwandAir from the French aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

 There were also radio announcements during prime time and print copy in the local top daily newspapers capturing the features of the much-awaited aircraft.

This was big news and RwandAir CEO John Mirenge explained why as he touched down in Kigali on the inaugural flight: “This is a momentous occasion when RwandAir leaps to the next level of the big boys by acquiring the first wide body aircraft”.

Mirenge added that the aircraft was ‘exceptional’

 “It just flies beautifully and as you saw this is another animal as you are permanently connected on Wi-Fi and GSM, we made calls on our way as we were coming over,” he said.

The product being referred to is IFEC – Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity  - which effectively made global airline brands race and jostle for a share of it in the hope of at least making this product a reality to their customers.

Hadi Akoum, Airbus Executive vice president Africa said: “Rwanda has now joined the club of luminaries and illustrious operators that benefit for this practical aircraft impressive performance”.

One of the key aspects of the impressiveness of this aircraft, is it’s ability to allow passengers to stay connected 35,000 feet in the sky, whereby one can continue to be in close contact with friends and relatives or still be in communication with a client to strike all that important business deal. The key issue here is to make that communication continuous in comfort in the sky as you head to your next destination be it to Dubai, Harare or Mumbai.

RwandAir has realised the potential of this service as a valued addition to its customers and it’s practically running away with it.