RwandAir Expands Fleet with New Boeing 737-800s to Boost Reliability and Reduce Delays

RwandAir has strengthened its operations with the addition of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft this month, one of which has already entered service. The airline confirmed that newly serviced aircraft have also returned to operation, with another aircraft scheduled to join the fleet in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The expansion is expected to improve service reliability, reduce flight delays and cancellations, and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.

In recent months, RwandAir faced unexpected technical issues across several aircraft, temporarily reducing the fleet size and leading to schedule adjustments. The disruptions affected some passengers’ travel plans, but the airline confirmed that the technical challenges have now been resolved, with the grounded aircraft successfully returned to service.

RwandAir CEO Yvonne Makolo said, “RwandAir is pleased to have resolved the challenges to our schedules over the last weeks, and to welcome our aircraft back into operation. We would like to sincerely apologise to all of our customers whose travel plans were disrupted during this period, and thank them for their patience while we worked on service disruptions. Together with the arrival of new aircraft, the strengthened fleet will enable RwandAir to improve reliability, strengthen our schedules, and deliver an even better travel experience to all our passengers.”

The newly delivered Boeing 737-800s feature 12 Business Class seats and 162 Economy Class seats, designed for short- and medium-haul routes across Africa and beyond.

Looking ahead, RwandAir expects to receive a wide-body Airbus A330-200 in Q4 2025. The addition will allow the airline to expand long-haul operations, connecting Africa with global destinations more efficiently.

The airline emphasised that the new aircraft acquisitions highlight its commitment to fleet modernisation and network expansion. By investing in both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, RwandAir is pursuing a dual strategy of enhancing intra-African connectivity while strengthening links between Africa and the rest of the world.