Kigali, 28 February, 2019 — Rwanda plans to organize an African Airshow in the near future that will highlight the continent’s potentials in the aviation industry while also demonstrating the country’s advanced efforts towards becoming an aviation hub for the continent. Such an airshow will also create jobs and spur economic growth.

Minister of State in charge of Transport, Hon. Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye made the statement in a press briefing held on Thursday  after touring the aircrafts on static display at Kigali International Airport.

The display was part of  the Africa Aviation Summit and Exhibition concluded in Kigali on  Thursday 28 February, 2019.

“This event is called the Africa Aviation Summit and Exhibition. The reason why we are at that step is because we want this summit to become, later, an air show. We want to have African Air Show in Rwanda. This is one step towards the air show. Having a Rwandan air show demonstrates that the country is on course to achieving its ambition of becoming Africa’s aviation hub” Minister Uwihanganye said.

At the static display at Kigali International Airport were two latest models of business jets from Gulfstream, the Gulfstream G500, and the not-so-old Gulfstream G280. There were also other helicopters on display by Rwanda’s Akagera Aviation.

“This time we have started with a static show, but next time we want to have a flying show to make it a complete air show. The display of the aircraft is the first one in the country, and it is important for the country, because this will make Rwanda an aviation hub that will create jobs and spur economic growth,” the Minister Uwihanganye noted.

An air show is an exhibition where individuals and companies that need services and those who offer services in aviation meet, discuss and can seal deals. There have been a number of air shows which have built high reputation across the world, including Dubai Air Show and London Air Show.