RwandAir

RwandAir is recognized for its commitment to safety and adherence to international aviation standards.

• Recent Safety Record and Notable Incidents: RwandAir has maintained a "spotless safety record" with no fatal accidents or major incidents since its founding in 2002. However, public records show minor incidents, including a runway overrun by a Dash 8-400 in October 2022, a rejected takeoff due to tire damage on a CRJ900 in December 2023, tire damage on departure for an Airbus A330-300 in May 2024, and a loss of cabin pressure on a Boeing 737-700 in September 2018. A fatal incident occurred in November 2009 involving RwandAir Flight 205, a Canadair CRJ100ER operated by JetLink Express on behalf of RwandAir, which crashed into the terminal building after an emergency landing, resulting in one fatality.
• Regulatory Certifications: RwandAir is IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certified, which is an internationally recognized safety standard. It also holds certifications from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is an ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations) certified operator. The Rwandan aviation sector, regulated by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), achieved a commendable 73.7% in aviation safety controls during an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit, surpassing both African and global averages.
• Fleet Age and Maintenance Reputation: The airline operates a relatively young and modern fleet, with an average age for its A330-200s around 9.3 years and 737-800s around 8.9 years as of April 2023. Maintenance is a priority, with partnerships such as Iberia Maintenance servicing the engines on RwandAir's Boeing 737s. The mechanical condition of its fleet is generally described as "top-notch".
• Overall Safety Assessment: Based on available data, RwandAir is considered a safe and reliable airline. It holds a high safety rating of 7/7 from AirlineRatings.com and Skytrax, the highest possible rating. The airline emphasizes a strong safety culture, continuous training for its crew, and adherence to global safety standards.
• Safety Awards or Recognitions: In 2021, RwandAir was the first African airline to be awarded the top Diamond status rating for COVID-19 prevention measures by APEX Health Safety, powered by SimpliFlying, signifying the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitization. It was also recognized at Skytrax's 2022 World Airline Awards, receiving accolades for "Best Airline Staff in Africa," "Best Cabin Crew in Africa," and "Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in Africa".