Connecting China to the heart of Africa with dedicated freight and belly-hold capacity.
RwandAir is the flag carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, headquartered at Kigali International Airport (KGL). Established in 2002 and commencing operations in 2003, the airline has grown into a key player in African aviation, connecting the continent to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. RwandAir is a vital component of Rwanda's economy, facilitating the transportation of fresh produce, medical supplies, and other essential goods.
As of 2025, RwandAir operates a modern fleet of over 13 aircraft, including Airbus A330 wide-body jets for long-haul routes, Boeing 737-800NG and 737-700NG for regional services, and Bombardier Q-400 Next Gen for domestic and short-haul flights. In 2022, the airline took delivery of its first dedicated cargo aircraft, a Boeing 737-800SF freighter, marking a significant milestone in its cargo expansion strategy. In 2024, RwandAir Cargo expanded its freighter network to Dubai and Djibouti.
The airline serves over 20 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, including its key Asian routes to Dubai, Mumbai, and Guangzhou, China. RwandAir is 49% owned by Qatar Airways, a strategic partnership that enhances its global connectivity.
www.rwandair.com info@rwandair.com
RwandAir maintains a presence in China with dedicated cargo sales offices in Guangzhou and Beijing.
For additional locations or after-hours support, please contact your local GSA or reach out to Goodhope Freight.
RwandAir's cargo capacity is supported by a combination of dedicated freighter aircraft and belly-hold space on its modern passenger fleet. The airline's cargo volume increased by 33% from 4,595 tonnes in 2023 to 6,113 tonnes in 2024.
| Aircraft Type | Count | Cargo Capacity | Primary Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800SF (Dedicated Freighter) | 1 | ~23 tonnes | Kigali – Dubai – Djibouti – Johannesburg – Nairobi |
| Airbus A330-300 | 1 | 132.20 m³ | Long-haul: Guangzhou, London, Paris, Brussels |
| Airbus A330-200 | 2 | 109.10 m³ | Long-haul: Middle East, Europe, Asia |
| Boeing 737-800NG | 6 | 21.4 – 52.0 m³ | Regional: Africa, Middle East |
| Boeing 737-700NG | 2 | [To be confirmed] | Regional routes |
| Bombardier Q-400 Next Gen | 2 | 411 cu/ft after baggage | Domestic & short-haul regional |
RwandAir plans to expand its freighter fleet with additional 737-800F or A321F aircraft.
RwandAir connects China to Africa through its flagship Kigali – Guangzhou route, launched in June 2019. This was the airline's first direct service to China and its third Asian destination after Dubai and Mumbai.
Additional Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong are accessible via interline connections through Guangzhou or partner airlines.
RwandAir also operates cargo charter services from Guangzhou for commercial freight.
Schedules are subject to change. Contact Goodhope Freight for the latest flight availability.
Via its Kigali hub and Guangzhou gateway, RwandAir Cargo connects Chinese exporters to a growing network spanning Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
For Chinese shippers, RwandAir Cargo offers unique advantages, particularly for those targeting the East and Central African markets and beyond.
For Chinese exporters of electronics, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods, RwandAir offers a direct, efficient route into Africa's growing markets.
As a trusted freight partner in China, Goodhope Freight provides direct access to RwandAir Cargo capacity from Guangzhou and other Chinese gateways. Our team handles the entire booking process—from rate negotiation to documentation and tracking.
Contact Goodhope Freight
info@goodhopefreight.com
+86 13392162503
www.goodhopefreight.com
For urgent bookings or special cargo requirements, please contact our air freight desk directly.
RwandAir Cargo offers a range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of shippers, with a particular focus on reliability, perishable handling, and African market connectivity.
RwandAir Cargo handles general goods including shoes, textiles, spare parts, and durable goods that do not require special treatment.
Specialised handling for fresh produce including avocadoes, passion fruits, French beans, and other high-value horticultural products.
RwandAir handles critical medicines and healthcare products with appropriate care and handling standards.
RwandAir Cargo offers dangerous goods handling services for compliant shipments.
In partnership with Qatar Airways, RwandAir launched the 'Kigali Cargo Hub' in May 2023, positioning Kigali as a regional logistics hub for Africa.
RwandAir Cargo operates its B737-800SF freighter on services to Dubai and Djibouti, with plans to further expand its freighter network.
RwandAir has demonstrated operational flexibility and commitment to growth, including resuming cargo operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding its freighter network to support regional trade. The airline is actively positioning itself as a regional cargo powerhouse by developing Kigali as a major cargo hub.
Disclaimer: Flight schedules, equipment, and capacity are subject to change without prior notice. Please verify all details with your booking agent at the time of reservation. The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only and may not reflect the most current operational status.