Rwanda has signed a bilateral air service agreement with Italy, in a bid to increase and ease travel between the two nations.
On Monday, August 20, Rwanda’s Minister for Infrastructure, Claver Gatete, met with Italy’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Domenico Fornara, to sign the final agreement. The negotiations had taken place in December when representatives from the two countries met in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The agreement will allow for commercial flights between the countries, allowing designated airlines of the countries to operate commercial flights that cover the transport of passengers and cargo. The agreement also addresses frequency, capacity and pricing of flights between the two nations. With this agreement, Rwanda’s national carrier is on track to meet its goal of adding new destinations to increase its reach. The airline currently operates 26 routes.
Following the signing, Gatete Tweeted:
In respect of its international air services, the Bilateral Air Service Agreement signed between #Rwanda and #Italy grants to both parties the rights (a) to fly across its territory without landing, as well as (b) to make stops for non-traffic purposes. @visitrwanda_now pic.twitter.com/iAS58PJYJP
— Min.Infrastructure (@RwandaInfra) August 20, 2018
At the signing, Fornara explained to the media: “The agreement is a legal framework. It creates the basis on which technical levels can work without further engaging political organisations.”
According to The New Times, RwandaAir’s CEO, Yvonne Makolo revealed that the airline’s plans to fly to Italy in its five-year plan for Europe. Gatete told those gathered on Monday that the agreement would help attract investment from Europe as well contribute to increasing tourism traffic in the country.
With this latest agreement, Rwanda has now signed 78 bilateral air agreements, 46 of which are with African countries.
