RwandAir has signed a firm order for two CRJ900 regional jets from Bombardier Aerospace, the airline announced on Monday. The deal is worth about US$89 million based on list prices, and up to US$185 million if the airline exercises an option to buy two additional aircraft.
RwandAir will become the first airline in East Africa to operate the CRJ900 NextGen when the new planes are delivered in October 2012. Interior configuration will include seven business class seats and 68 economy seats.
“Our two 50-seat CRJ200 aircraft have performed very well for us and have helped grow our business to the point that we require aircraft with more capacity,” said John Mirenge, Chief Executive Officer, RwandAir, in a statement. “Based on our experience with the CRJ200 aircraft, the dual-class 75-seat CRJ900 NextGen aircraft was the logical upgrade.”
Once delivered, the RwandAir fleet will consist of seven aircraft: Two Boeing 737-800s (we were onboard the delivery the first delivery flight last year), two Boeing 737-500s, the two new CRJ900s and a Bombardier Dash 8-200.
Based in Rwanda’s capital of Kigali, RwandAir operates service to most of East Africa’s capital cities, as well as Johannesburg, Brazzaville, Libreville and Dubai. The airline’s long-term expansion plans include the purchase of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the construction of a larger hub at a new airport being developed near Kigali.
