Akagera Aviation

Akagera Aviation was established in 2004 and is based at Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. It provides helicopter and aviation services across Rwanda and East Africa, and states that it is approved by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority for aircraft maintenance.

Services

• Helicopter charters to Rwandan destinations such as Akagera, Nyungwe and Volcanoes National Parks
• Scenic aerial tours
• Emergency medical services and air ambulance evacuation
• Aerial photography, survey and mapping
• Aircraft maintenance
• Pilot training in helicopter and fixed-wing programs, plus a UAV pilot program
• VIP Lounge and Meet and Greet services at Kigali International Airport

Fleet

• Agusta AW139: twin-engine, up to five passengers in a VIP interior
• Agusta A109S: twin-engine, six seats, marketed for family trips and group tours
• Agusta AW119 MkII: single-engine, six seats, also used for medical evacuation in Rwanda
• Robinson R44: single-engine, three seats, detachable doors for aerial photography

Aviation school

In 2016 the Government of Rwanda gave the company, through ATL, a mandate to help close the aviation skills gap by establishing an Aviation Academy. The school offers an 18-month full-time pilot program taught in English at Kigali International Airport, including a Multi Crew Coordination course. As of 2024 the company reports training 56 commercial helicopter pilots and 28 commercial fixed-wing pilots, with 30 cadets enrolled.

Company facts

• Established 2004
• VIP Lounge opened at Kigali Airport arrivals in 2019 with Radisson Blu
• Base: Kigali International Airport

Approach

The company states a vision of becoming a Centre of Excellence in Aviation within the region and a mission of spearheading aviation industry development in Rwanda. Its services page also lists an AerialView aerial photography and advertising service, and its training offer includes admission tests that carry a 50 USD administration fee, with results valid for one year. Bookings are taken through an online booking site linked from the home page.