-- RwandAir becomes first African carrier to own and operate 737 with Boeing Sky Interior

-- Boeing, RwandAir and Operation USA partner to deliver 1,500 school books

SEATTLE, Aug. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today delivered a Next-Generation 737 with the new Boeing Sky Interior to RwandAir, making it the first African carrier to own and operate Boeing's innovative interior. The delivery also is the first direct-purchase 737 in RwandAir's fleet.

"This new interior will set RwandAir apart from our competition by bringing a new, unmatched flying experience to our valued customers," said John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir.

The Boeing Sky Interior introduces new cove lighting and curving architecture that create a distinctive entry way. Passengers will enjoy a more open cabin and a soft blue sky overhead simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. The new interior also brings new, modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals to draw passengers' eyes to the view outside the window.

"Today is a proud day for RwandAir as well as the country of Rwanda," said Dr. Alex Nzahabwanimana, Minister of Transport for Rwanda. "Being the first airline on the African continent with the Boeing Sky Interior certainly puts Rwanda at the forefront of the aviation industry in Africa today and beyond."

As part of Boeing's Humanitarian Delivery Flights program, Boeing partnered with RwandAir and Operation USA on this delivery flight to deliver 1,500 science and other educational books to the Rotary Club of Kigali. The science books will be accepted by Rwanda's Ministry of Education and distributed to high schools and universities throughout the country. The remaining books will be distributed to the Kigali Public Library – Rwanda's first public library.  

Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities around the globe overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty. Since 1979, the organization has been providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid by working with grass-roots partners to provide material and financial assistance necessary in the face of a disaster as well as to combat the effects of systemic poverty.

Operating from Kigali as its hub, RwandAir's fleet includes two Boeing 737-500s, two CRJ200s and a Dash8-200.

"With this new airplane, RwandAir will provide our passengers with unmatched reliability and the most unique flying experience in the sky today," said Mirenge. "We are confident our customers will look back on their flight with enthusiasm and excitement for their next flight."

Contact:
Adam Morgan
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 281-386-4396
adam.k.morgan@boeing.com

Michael Otieno
RwandAir
+250 788 308 761
michael.otieno@rwandair.com

Alison Deknatel
Operation USA
+1 323-413-2353
adeknatel@opusa.org

Photo and caption are available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com

SOURCE Boeing

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