In this African Pilot magazine interview, Editor Phillippa Dean speaks with Patrick Gonzenbach, Director of Flight Operations at RwandAir, during the opening of Airbus’s new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg.
As Director of Flight Operations, Gonzenbach is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of RwandAir’s flights, including oversight of pilots, cabin crew, flight operations engineering, standards, compliance, and operations control. He reports to both the airline’s executive team and the Rwandan Civil Aviation Authority.
In this conversation, he shares insights into RwandAir’s ongoing transformation through its partnership with Qatar Airways, and how this is reshaping operational procedures and organisational culture. Gonzenbach also addresses the continent-wide challenge of retaining qualified flight crew and outlines RwandAir’s approach to attracting talent.
The interview concludes with an update on RwandAir’s Airbus fleet, which includes the upcoming arrival of a fourth A330, reinforcing the airline’s growth ambitions.
