Windhoek — The profit and loss graph on Air Namibia's balance sheet could soon be plotted upwards following the introduction of a new concept to "wet lease" the regional carrier to the central African region.

The first agreement to this effect was concluded with Rwandair Express Airlines, the Rwandan national airline, recently.

Unconfirmed reports also indicate that the loss-making Air Namibia might be negotiating with other airlines from the region to expand the new concept.

"This opportunity also will introduce the Air Namibia product to the central African market, and symbolizes extension of strategic and commercial alliances. This is all in line with the Air Namibia business plan for revenue enhancement and optimised equipment utilisation, as well as venturing into new markets," said Xavier Masule, Air Namibia's Manager for Business Development.

"The agreement concluded is about Air Namibia "wet leasing" its Boeing B737-500 aircraft to operate flights on behalf on Rwandair between Johannesburg and Kigali, three times a week, on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays," he added.

Under the terms of the agreement with Rwandair, all flight schedules will be fulfilled using Air Namibia's Boeing B737-500 and its crew, both pilots and hostesses.

The first flight ran on 12 October, and to-date a total of seven such flights have been made.

Masule said the flights to Kigali will not affect the traditional Air Namibia schedule, as these flights will be made at times when the aircraft was previously on "scheduled ground time" at OH Tambo Airport in Johannesburg.

Depending on the market response from this operation, both parties hope and believe that there will be a need to increase the number of flights to four or even five times a week in the near future.

The aircraft used on the route will originate from Windhoek, going to Kigali via Johannesburg. This service provides an opportunity for traffic between Namibia and Central/Eastern Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania) to utilise an alternate service, Masule added.

"Flights depart three days per week from Windhoek to Johannesburg at 18:45, and depart from Johannesburg for Kigali at 22:00. Departure from Kigali is at 02h30 arriving in Johannesburg at 06h30, and proceeding to Windhoek at 07h45," Masule said.

Although Rwanda has a painful history characterised by five years of civil and tribal war, which culminated in the 1994 genocide, it is regarded as a country in an advanced stage of rehabilitation.

The high level of political stability and peace since 1995 has encouraged the repatriation of millions of refugees and growth of the economy.

Masule said: "Rwandair is a model airline to partner with because of its strategic location on the continent, and the high level of efficiency and economic or tourism potential."