<![CDATA[Although I usually travel in economy or premium economy cabins, I have had the chance to travel in business class a few times. However, what makes my recent RwandAir flight to Johannesburg very special is the African story behind it. Getting such a world-class service on an African airline is something truly special.
From ticketing to boarding, I was met with great service throughout. The staff at RwandAir office in Accra are super pleasant to deal with (and I don’t mean how they treated me but also the other customers I saw at the office).
A Muslim family intending to visit Dubai was also at the office, and the way the RwandAir staff took time to explain the various prices available to the father; answering all his questions, was simply amazing. All this while, the mother was waiting in a spacious waiting room, trying to calm their boisterous son down.
Anyway let me fast track to the fun part…Ha-ha!!! I packed light for my short trip to South Africa for the Mercedes Benz Johannesburg Fashion Week, and headed to the Kotoka International airport. After checking in, my RwandAir business class ticket allowed me access to the Akwaaba Lounge, so I headed there to relax, grab something to eat and also work before it was time for boarding. I soon boarded the RwandAir Airbus A330/300, which was about my fifth time.At the Akwaaba lounge
I first experienced the airbus when the Accra – Abidjan flight was launched. That time I only went in to inspect the entire airbus, as part of the media tour. The second time was when I used RwandAir to Lagos in a premium economy seat. Since, then I have also used the Airbus A330/300 and other RwandAir flights to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The Johannesburg flight was my first to that side, and my first in business class, so I was ready for the experience. Immediately after seating the crew served the usual welcome drinks with the options of juice and Champaign. I can’t remember what I opted for but you can be sure that I tried both by the time my journey was over.
One thing I picked up from my first long distance trip on RwandAir (to Tanzania), was the availability of food; good and tasty food regardless of the cabin you find yourself in. For the 45-minute or so trip to Lagos I was served a light lunch, fried yam with a beef skewer. Then from Lagos to Kigali, I was served first with some light snacks before a 3-course dinner followed later. There was even more dinner on the flight from Kigali to Johannesburg for ‘those of us’ who didn’t mind eating after 2AM.
Yes travelling from Accra to Lagos to Kigali, and then to Johannesburg can take a tow on your body but with all the comfort and pampering on RwandAir , especially in the business cabin, there was almost no stress. The Airbus A330/300 to Kigali has enough legroom (even for me, who is above 6.3feet tall), a flat bed in business cabin, which comes with massage properties, and a special lighting system to reduce jetlag. And to top it all, there is on-board WIFI and mobile access.
The Kigali to Johannesburg leg of my trip used a Boeing 737-800. Although the business cabin did not come with a flat bed, it had great legroom, and the seats reclined well with an available leg rest. So, I still had a good sleep when I needed to.
The story was not any different on my return trip, only that the flight times were different; and this time I rather had a more amazing experience with food at the Bidvest Business Lounge at the OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg before setting off…. and of course my fun experience with RwandAir business cabin was coming to an end.
RwandAir, the national carrier of the Republic of Rwanda is one of the fastest growing airlines on the African continent operating a growing fleet of over 11 aircraft while still covering 23 destinations including Kigali, Johannesburg, Dubai, Nairobi, Dar-Es-Salaam amongst others.
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RwandAir also offers ‘Dreammiles’, a frequent flyer program. You can register online, before check in, at the check in counter or even on board to earn miles that can be used for excess baggage, lounge access, upgrades, free tickets etc. There are packages for corporates, individuals, and families too.
For more details visit WWW.RWANDAIR.COM contact: 0540101543/545 & 0302797486 or email: sales.accra@rwandair.com]]>
