Wings of success sought by looking toward the skies

Growing business ties and connections between China and Africa are prompting more African carriers to look eastward and consider opening new air routes to China, industry sources say.

John Mirenge, chief executive officer of RwandAir, the Rwandan government-controlled air travel operator, says that although the carrier will strive to attract more passengers to Africa, domestic passengers will continue to be the mainstay of its business.

At the same time, identifying travel patterns and habits of passengers are crucial for the long-term success of African carriers, Mirenge says, adding that the planned new routes to China are a logical extension of the demand from African passengers.