RwandAir Takes Delivery of First 737 with Boeing Sky Interior

RwandAir has become the first African carrier to own and operate an aircraft with Boeing's new Sky Interior. The delivery is also the first direct-purchase 737 in RwandAir's fleet.

The Boeing Sky Interior introduces new cove lighting and curving architecture that create a distinctive entry way. Passengers will be able to enjoy a more open cabin and a soft blue sky overhead simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. The new interior also brings new, modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals to draw passengers' eyes to the view outside the window.

"This new interior will set RwandAir apart from our competition by bringing a new, unmatched flying experience to our valued customers," said John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir.

As part of Boeing's Humanitarian Delivery Flights program, Boeing partnered with RwandAir and Operation USA on this delivery flight to deliver 1,500 science and other educational books to the Rotary Club of Kigali. The science books will be accepted by Rwanda's Ministry of Education and distributed to high schools and universities throughout the country. The remaining books will be distributed to the Kigali Public Library – Rwanda's first public library.

Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities around the globe overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty. Since 1979, the organization has been providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid by working with grass-roots partners to provide material and financial assistance necessary in the face of a disaster as well as to combat the effects of systemic poverty.

"Today is a proud day for RwandAir as well as the country of Rwanda," said Dr. Alex Nzahabwanimana, Minister of Transport for Rwanda. "Being the first airline on the African continent with the Boeing Sky Interior certainly puts Rwanda at the forefront of the aviation industry in Africa today and beyond."

Operating from Kigali as its hub, RwandAir's fleet includes two Boeing 737-500s, two CRJ200s and a Dash8-200.

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