RwandAir CEO achieving sustainability in the aviation industry

RwandAir CEO, Yvonne Makolo, recently spoke to CNBC Africa on the sidelines of the WTTC Global Summit, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities facing the aviation industry in Africa. Makolo emphasized the crucial role of travel and tourism in African economies, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to drive growth and connectivity across the continent. One of the key issues discussed was the high cost of operating airlines in Africa, with Makolo stressing the need to address barriers such as fuel surcharges, taxes, and infrastructure expenses that contribute to increased ticket prices. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production on the continent to reduce costs and enhance environmental sustainability. Despite global economic uncertainties and inflationary pressures, Makolo remains optimistic about the resilience of the aviation sector, citing the industry's swift recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. She underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to unlock the untapped potential of air travel in Africa by promoting connectivity and affordability. Reflecting on the outcomes of the WTTC Global Summit, Makolo expressed optimism about the future of travel and tourism in Africa, noting the sector's significant growth prospects and economic contributions. Looking ahead, Makolo outlined RwandAir's achievements over the past year, including fleet expansion and route developments, with plans to further expand the airline's African network and enhance customer service in the upcoming year.