RwandAir has demonstrated it has the highest levels of safety and hygiene standards by becoming the first African airline to be awarded the best possible status rating for COVID-19 prevention measures by APEX Health Safety.
The Rwandan carrier, which was also the first African airline to vaccinate all its staff and to trial the IATA Travel Pass, has been working tirelessly to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitisation for its customers and crew.
The award provides a scientifically-based validation system and carriers have to complete a 58-point checklist which covers submission, verification and validation as well as a quarterly review certification process.
Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, commented on the announcement of the award: “The health and safety of our customers and staff is the top priority for RwandAir, so we are delighted to be awarded Diamond status from APEX Health Safety, powered by SimpliFlying, for our COVID-19 prevention measures.
“Reaching the highest attainable level for hygiene standards is a powerful clean bill of health for the airline, and validation for all the hard work we have put in to ensure the safest possible traveller experience for our customers and staff. We know restoring customer confidence to fly is critical to resume safe international travel, which is why we have undertaken a 360-degree approach to ensuring that every aspect of our operations meet the highest standards.
“From the deep cleaning and disinfection of aircraft, to automatic hand sanitiser dispensers available throughout Kigali International Airport, our hub, we have looked at every aspect of the customer journey to ensure we keep COVID-19 at bay and protect those who fly with us.”
Joe Leader, APEX CEO, explained that RwandAir has demonstrated the highest possible level of care for its customers becoming the first African airline to reach the hospital-grade Diamond level. “RwandAir proves that reaching this level of health safety does not depend upon the size of the airline, but rather the incredibly proactive steps taken for customer and staff wellbeing. We are deeply proud of RwandAir as a rising star for our entire airline industry in Africa.”
The award, which is sponsored by aviation marketing consulting firm SimpliFlying, creates a common standard for carriers to follow when it comes to the health and safety of passengers.
“With all of these protective measures in place, we are confident that customers will begin to fly once again, and travel safely both within Africa and internationally with RwandAir. As Rwanda’s doors are now open for tourism, we look forward to welcoming passengers from around the world to experience the country’s natural wonders, while staying safe and healthy.
Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO of RwandAir
