ENGL
KINY
Kigali, 22nd May 2018-Rwanda and Togo have signed on Tuesday a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that will enhance Rwanda’s airspace expansion in West Africa.
This agreement will enable Rwanda’s National carrier RwandAir and Togolese ASKY Airlines to fly to and from Kigali and Lomé respectively with a minimum of one stopover but less fatigue for 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 Hon. Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye.
Speaking at the event, Togolese Minister of Infrastructure and Transport said “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”.
The similar air space agreement was signed on 23rd May 2018 between Rwanda and Angola. As highlighted by Hon. Eng. Uwihanganye Jean de Dieu, the deal grantees both national airlines the fifth freedom right to fly at each other's airports without limitations.
“Angola's TAAG Airlines will be free to pick passengers from Rwanda to any destination while RwandAir can as well freely fly to Angola and pick passengers to any destination including South America destinations”.
In additional, Rwandan private sector will have more opportunities to boost investment “Angola has been ranked as the fastest growing economy in Africa. There is a lot of oil and diamond mining which Rwandan investors will be able to tap into since flights will be direct and economical”, he added.
Hon. Dr Augusto da Silva Tomás, Angola's Minister of Transport is confident that the agreement will enhance relations between the two countries in various sectors.
It is also important to note that on Monday 21st May 2018, Rwanda and Ghana have also signed a bilateral airspace agreement to boost co-operation in trade and development between both countries.