RwandAir’s Fleet Shuffle: Navigating Widebody Woes, Eyeing African Expansion
RwandAir, Rwanda’s flag carrier, is tackling a temporary setback in its widebody operations. The airline recently returned a leased Airbus A330-200 (registration LZ-TWO) to its owner, GullivAir, a Bulgarian airline. This aircraft, initially brought in to bolster RwandAir’s fleet, served the airline for a short stint since March 2025. The return comes as RwandAir’s own two A330-200s remain grounded for scheduled maintenance. One is undergoing checks in London, UK, while the other is at a facility in Teruel, Spain. This situation leaves RwandAir with a single widebody aircraft, an A330-300, to manage its demanding long-haul flight schedule.
This temporary reduction in widebody capacity presents a challenge for RwandAir, especially given the current market dynamics. The airline is actively working with aircraft lessors and brokers to quickly secure a replacement A330 and minimize disruptions to its operations. This situation underscores the complexities of fleet management in the African aviation market, where demand for air travel is steadily rising, and airlines are constantly adjusting their strategies to meet passenger needs.
RwandAir’s current fleet consists of 14 aircraft, including three Airbus A330s (two A330-200s and one A330-300), six Boeing 737s, two Bombardier CRJ900s, and two De Havilland Canada Dash 8-Q400s. The airline has ambitious plans to double its fleet size by 2025-26, focusing on three main aircraft types: the Boeing 737 for regional and medium-haul routes and the Airbus A330 for long-haul operations. This strategic approach aims to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
The airline’s long-haul routes, including destinations like Paris, Brussels, London, Dubai, and Guangzhou, are currently under pressure due to the limited widebody capacity. While the A330-300 continues to service these routes, the absence of the two A330-200s creates a potential capacity shortfall. Data analysis suggests that operating with a single A330-300 could lead to a weekly seat capacity reduction of approximately 7.9% across these key routes. This translates to roughly 300 fewer seats available each week, impacting RwandAir’s ability to accommodate passenger demand.
Despite these challenges, RwandAir remains committed to expanding its presence within Africa. The airline plans to introduce new routes on the continent, utilizing its Boeing 737s for regional and medium-haul flights. This strategic focus on the African market aligns with the broader trend of increasing air travel demand within the continent. Several other African airlines are also expanding their fleets and networks, indicating a positive outlook for the aviation sector in the region.
RwandAir’s partnership with Qatar Airways is another key element of its growth strategy. An anticipated investment deal with Qatar Airways is expected to provide RwandAir with significant capital and strategic advantages, including expertise sharing, network expansion, and operational synergies. This collaboration, along with existing codeshare agreements, will further strengthen RwandAir’s position in the market.
The aircraft leasing market in Africa is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for air travel and the strategic fleet expansions of regional airlines. However, the availability of A330-class aircraft for lease is currently limited, with high demand and rising lease rates. This market tightness adds to the challenges faced by RwandAir in securing a replacement aircraft promptly.
The maintenance of RwandAir’s two A330-200s is taking place at reputable facilities. One aircraft is undergoing maintenance in London, potentially at a facility like British Airways Maintenance Cardiff (BAMC), known for its expertise in heavy maintenance of large aircraft. The other is at a facility in Teruel, Spain, likely TARMAC Aerosave, a leading European MRO specializing in aircraft storage, maintenance, and recycling. Typical maintenance timeframes for C checks, which are performed every 18 months to two years, range from one to two weeks. More extensive D checks, occurring every 6-12 years, can take up to 6-8 weeks.
RwandAir’s proactive engagement with lessors and brokers, coupled with its strategic focus on fleet expansion and its partnership with Qatar Airways, positions the airline for future growth and operational resilience. The airline’s commitment to expanding its African network further strengthens its outlook in the dynamic and growing African aviation market. As RwandAir navigates these current fleet challenges, its strategic initiatives and focus on the African market signal a positive trajectory for the airline’s future.
