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Brussels Airlines together with Italy’s Meridiana have been chosen to tender for 40 percent of Rwanda’s single airline and the proceeding should be through by the end of the year, said the carrier’s chief executive officer.

Rwandair Express CEO Manzi Kayihura said the two qualified out of five international carriers that had shown interest.

“We have just completed a bidders’ conference and the privatisation process should be completed by the close of the year, “Kailua told Reuters in an interview.

“We are not necessarily looking for the highest financial offer but a strategic partner who has a commitment to add value, expand the network and experience to grow the airline.”

An additional 40 percent of shares will be awarded to a local investor, he said, while the government will take possession 20 percent.

As well as operating internal flights, the five year old Rwandair Express flies daily to Kenya, Uganda and Burundi. It also flies to Tanzania and Johannesburg, South Africa, three times a week.

Landlocked Rwanda has immense plans to turn into a limelight for flights in Africa’s Great Lakes region, Kayihura uttered. “Any strategic partner must be able to advance this vision, and if we fail to get one in this round then we will wait.” This step will help to improve the quality of services offered on flights to Rwanda.