Umurundi Airlines is a privately owned airline headquartered on the grounds of Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM) in Bujumbura, Burundi.
The airline was founded in 2012 by cofounders Alain Niyonkuru and Ben Bronkhorst and launched in 2014. From its base at Bujumbura-BJM, Umurundi Airlines has since grown to become one of the most important carriers in central and eastern Africa, utilizing an all-Airbus fleet to connect to over two dozen other countries within Africa. The carrier also provides nonstop or 5th Freedom direct air service to select intercontinental destinations in Asia, Europe and North America, and has codesharing agreements with several airlines outside Africa, including Al-Jabir Airlines (Dubai), Modi Air (India), and Aviage Airlines (France) among others.
History
Pre-Founding Days
Umurundi Airlines (legally known as Société Umurundi Airlines SAS) was established on 2 July 2012 by Alain Niyonkuru (b 1980 Bujumbura, Burundi) and Wikus “Ben” Bronkhorst (b 1980 Johannesburg, South Africa). Both men hailed from families that made their fortune in the banking trades.
Messrs Niyonkuru and Bronkhorst first met in 1998 in Montreal, Canada while attending college pursuing business degrees. The two men soon found they shared a strong interest in the airline industry and, while still in college, they began drawing up a detailed business plan to start an Africa-based airline together.
The two young men graduated in 2004 with masters degrees and took up airline related jobs. Mr Niyonkuru began his career with Marseille-MRS based Aviage Airlines, the largest legacy airline in France, while Mr Bronkhorst went to work for the regional airline Atlantic Canada at its Halifax-YHZ home office. In 2008 both men switched to new positions at low cost carriers (LLCs). Mr Bronkhorst landed a junior executive role with RedJet Airlines at its headquarters in Calgary-YYC, Canada, while Mr Niyonkuru took an operations executive position with Nice-NCE based Air Méditerranée.
Throughout this time the two men would meet up regularly in New York to continue working on their joint business plan. They planned to base their future airline at Johannesburg-JNB, South Africa - Mr Bronkhorst’s hometown - and to name it AfricaJet.
Startup
In early 2012, after obtaining seed money from the Bronkhorst family and began to implement their business plan by leasing two Airbus A318-100 airliners from JetStream Aerospace Leasing. While the men were looking to secure offices and hangar space in Johannesburg, the government of Burundi offered Mr Niyonkuru special incentives to start up a regional airline at Mr Niyonkuru’s hometown of Bujumbura-BJM, instead. So the business plan was revised in June 2012, and the airline was renamed as Umurundi Airlines, with Umurundi meaning “Burundian” in the local Kirundi language.
Although the airline was equally co-owned by the two young men, in order to honor the Burundian government’s main requirement that the new airline be majority owned by one or more Burundian citizens, on paper Mr Niyonjuru was listed to have a 51% interest in the airline, while Mr Bronkhorst and his family held the remaining 49% stake.
Early Operations
Operations began on 5 May 2014 with nonstop Airbus A318 air service between Bujumbura-BJM and Johannesburg-JNB, Dar es Salaam-DAR, Nairobi-NBO and Kinshasa-FIH. The following year additional A318s were acquired via lease, and routes were added connecting BJM to the African capitals of Addis Ababa-ADD, Mombasa-MBA, Kigali-KGL and Lagos-LOS.
In 2015 the airline leased its first Airbus A321-200s, allowing the young carrier to extend its reach into Europe with nonstop service from Bujumbura-BJM to Paris-CDG and London-LGW. These new destinations were considered very important to both the airline and the Burundian government, because previously such air service was provided solely at the caprice of disinterested European airlines. The provision of lower cost air service to Paris and London was considered a blessing by regional business interests as well as a budding tourism trade.
In 2016 Umurundi Airlines acquired three more A321-200s and opened nonstop routes from BJM to Dubai-DXB, Casablanca-CMN and Cape Town-CPT, as well as adding more seats along the route to Johannesburg-JNB. Additional more A318s entered the fleet during this period as well, opening new routes to nearby African cities such as Doula-DLA, Kampala-EBB, Das es Salaam-DAR, and Brazzaville-BZV.
With the A318s proving to be increasingly problematic to support, in 2018 Umurundi Airlines entered into new leasing arrangements and acquired the first of its Airbus A220s. It took delivery of a steady stream of A220-100s and made plans to retire its Airbus A318 fleet, while greatly expanding its reach across the central part of Africa. In addition to cities such as Lusaka-LUN, Zanzibar-ZNZ and Yaounde-NSI, service also began to the more distant Spanish resort city of Tenerife-TFS and Mahé-SEZ in the Seychelles.
Also in 2018, the airline bought out the Bronkhorst family’s remaining stake in the carrier, leaving its ownership entirely in the hands of Alain Niyonkuru and Ben Bronkhorst.
Connecting To North America
From as early as 2014, the Burundian government had long been interested in adding service to the United States, particularly to New York. By 2017 the government had offered to help Umurundi Airlines to acquire a longer range aircraft such as an Airbus A330 or Boeing 767 to expedite such connectivity.
However, Messrs Niyonkuru and Bronkhorst were not inclined to take up such an offer, fearing that it would go against the airline’s emphasis on keeping operating costs as low as possible. That said, the two men did want to find a way to provide low cost air service from Bujumbura-BJM to both the US and Canada, which would add considerable prestige to the airline’s route network as well as provide useful direct air service to Africans living in the Americas.
The carrier graciously declined the government’s offer to help the company to purchase widebody aircraft, asking the government for patience while the airline would seek out a more cost-effective solution. In the meantime, negotiations were initiated with the governments of Morocco and Spain to arrange Fifth Freedom of the Air routes that would eventually allow direct flights from Bujumbura-BJM to North America using stopovers at airports within their respective countries.
Because there was no direct air service between Tenerife and either New York-JFK or Toronto-YYZ, Spain readily granted unrestricted 5th Freedom service to Umurundi Airlines.
However, the Moroccan government decided to grant full 5th Freedom service to Toronto-YYZ, but only permit technical stopover rights for flights headed to New York-JFK, in order to avoid having Umurundi compete too directly with Moroccan airlines already serving New York.
In early 2019 the carrier took delivery of its first Airbus A321LR. It was decided to begin direct air service to New York-JFK via Tenerife-TFS 4 times weekly, and to Toronto-YYZ via Casablanca-CMN 3 times weekly. Both routes soon proved to be both popular and profitable for the airline, attracting customers from several nearby countries as well as Burundian expats and business interests. By the end of 2019, the carrier scheduled its 2nd A321neo to fly similar direct flights to Mumbai-BOM 3 times weekly using a technical stop at Addis Ababa-ADD, and 4 times weekly to Singapore-SIN with unrestricted stops at Mahé-SEZ.
Meanwhile, the carrier placed new aircraft orders at the 2019 Paris Air Show, ordering more A321LRs, as well as new Airbus A321neos and several new Airbus A220-300s.
2020s
The Covid-19 Pandemic arrived in Burundi during late March 2020, but the disease had a comparatively muted effect on Burundi - only 38 deaths were recorded in-country. The Burundian government imposed relatively few restrictions on the country, but did require passengers arriving from infected countries to quarantine for 14 days.
As a result, Umurundi Airlines was able to continue providing at least some passenger flights between Bujumbura-BJM and most nearby African destinations. But due to much more stringent restrictions in Europe and North America, the airline had to discontinue its intercontinental passenger air service during the early 2020s.
The airline did, however, continue providing much needed preighter (cargo in cabin) air service to New York-JFK and Paris-CDG in order to bring goods to Burundi and central Africa. The carrier also provided occasional repatriation flights from the US, Canada, and Europe on behalf of various governments around central Africa.
In 2021 Umurundi Airlines retired the last of its Airbus A318s and took delivery of its first Airbus A220-300s as well as the first of its new A321s. These aircraft were used to fly mostly on African routes, completing the airline’s reach to its current array of destinations around the continent.
Livery Redesign
In 2021, the airline decided to consider revising its aircraft livery. After some discussion Messrs Niyonkuru and Bronkhorst decided to retain the carrier’s original black-silver-white color scheme, but Mr Bronkhorst stated that he had never really liked the original cartoon style drawing of a Transvaal lion’s head on the tail. He felt the existing logo looked too much like a sports team’s mascot for his taste.
So they decided to have the tail redesigned. A stylized version of the flag of Burundi was initially considered, but many Burundians liked having a lion’s head on the tail, so the two men settled on retaining a lion’s head but to redesign the look of it. The airline commissioned a noted Burundian artist, Chantal Manirambona, to redraw the logo.
Ms Manirambona started from a clean sheet and created an entirely new, more detailed and more realistic version of the lion’s face than was used previously. The new design delighted both Mr Bronkhorst and Mr Niyonkuru, and the new tail design was painted on the first of the company’s incoming Airbus A220-300s. The new aircraft arrived at Bujumbura-BJM on 2 April 2021, and was well received by all.
In 2022, Umurundi Airlines retired its remaining Airbus A321-200s, having successfully switched over to the Airbus A321neo on routes to and from Europe, and the Airbus A321LR on routes to North America and Singapore. Also during 2022, Mr Bronkhorst, having resided in Burundi long enough, officially took dual South African-Burundian citizenship. The airline then adjusted his stake in the airline to be officially 50/50 with Mr Niyonkuru.
Future Plans
As of 2024, Umurundi Airlines has emerged to become perhaps the most prominent air carrier in central and eastern Africa, despite the fact that Burundi itself is a relatively small player in the region’s economic and political firmament. The airline continues to receive new Airbus A220-300 and A321neo aircraft, with plans to retire its remaining Airbus A220-100s over the next two years. It is also expected that the route to Mumbai-BOM will be converted to a nonstop route soon.
Orders were recently placed for a set of Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which should begin deliveries in 2025. The airline intends to use the type to convert its Bujumbura-BJM to Singapore-SIN route to a nonstop flight. The airline is also looking to add more routes to Europe - Amsterdam-AMS, Brussels-BRU, Dublin-DUB, Frankfurt-FRA and Marseille-MRS are frequently mentioned - as well as routes to several north African destinations like Cairo-CAI, Marrakesh-RAK, and Tunis-TUN. The airline is also considering adding routes to Réunion-RUN and Mauritius-MRU. There has been additional talk of adding direct service to Miami-MIA and Washington-IAD, perhaps through a yet to be named 5th Freedom stopover airport in western Africa.
Service Details
Umurundi Airlines mostly operates as a low cost carrier (LCC), although some of its services on longer distance flights to and from Europe, North America and Asia are more hybrid in nature. Most regional flights are operated using the Airbus A220. All intercontinental routes, as well as a few high traffic regional routes, are served by Airbus A321 aircraft. All aircraft of each type are configured identically, so all cabin crews are trained to work interchangeably with either aircraft type. Flight crews, however, can only fly only one type or the other, although there are a few flight crews rated to fly either type and thus enjoy better pay.
The airline offers two classes of seating and service: 1) Standard Class, a basic economy class offering available on all aircraft; and 2) Prime Class, a premium economy class product available only on the A321 aircraft.
All Classes
All seats on Umurundi Airlines aircraft feature the following:
One European style type C plug port (using a 220V supply voltage at 50Hz); two USB-A charging ports; and one USB-C charging port. Electrical and USB port converters are available for purchase onboard.
At least a modest ability to recline.
Women’s purses are free as carry-on items, as are diaper bags when they are accompanied by a baby or toddler.
Access to the Onboard Shop, a Buy on Board (BoB) menu service where passengers can purchase a selection of beverages, comfort kits (compressed towels, travel blankets, ear plugs, travel pillows and/or eyeshades); electrical conversion plugs; gifts such as fragrances, cosmetics and items such as headphones and earbuds; packages of cigarettes or rolling tobacco; or certain alcoholic beverages.
Airbus A321 Aircraft Only: Wi-fi access, complimentary to Prime Class customers, while also available for a fee in Standard Class.
Standard Class
Umurundi Airlines Airbus A220s offer only the basic economy Standard Class, while on the company’s Airbus A321 aircraft the rear 2/3rds of seats are configured as Standard Class. Seating on the A220 is set at 5 abreast (3+2), while on A321s seating is set as 6 abreast (3+3).
All Standard Class seats are cloth-covered with a 30 inch pitch, offering 18 inch width for window and aisle seats, while middle seats are wider at 19 inches. Standard Class seats feature lighter weight seating without rear seat pockets, no inflight entertainment (IFE) systems, and no reserved seating. Seating is open in the Standard cabin based on boarding groups, which are labeled as Group 1 (first to board), Group 2 (next to board), and if required Group 3 (last to board).
There is no meal service available in Standard Class on any A220 aircraft, or on A321 flights under 2 hours in duration. On longer A321 flights, Standard passengers can pre-purchase onboard meals ahead of time, or as a buy on board (BoB) item at a higher cost. Standard class meals are served in pre-packaged aluminum containers similar to a TV dinner or microwave meal, which are reheated immediately before serving.
Beverage service is available on all flights, but only bottled water service is complimentary to Standard Class passengers. All other drinks including flavored nonalcoholic beverages are to be purchased on a pay as you go basis. Wi-fi access is not available on A220 aircraft, but is available to Standard Class passengers on A321 aircraft for a fee.
Standard passengers may check one bag for free, while checking additional luggage may be checked for a modest fee. Carry-on items (other than a woman’s purse or a diaper bag) incur a higher fee and must meet certain size and weight requirements.
Prime Class
There are no Prime Class seats on Umurundi Airbus A220 aircraft.
On Umurundi Airbus A321 aircraft, the front 1/3rd of seats are configured with Prime Class seats which are set in a no middle seat, 4 abreast (2+2) arrangement. All Prime Class seats are manually controlled which very rarely ever malfunction.
Prime Class seating are leather-covered recliner seats with a 38 inch pitch by 20 inch width. They feature adjustable headrests, calf-rests, foot-rests and lumbar support, as well as built-in inflight entertainment (IFE) screens, complimentary wi-fi service, free toiletry kits, free travel pillows, and a complimentary welcome drink served after boarding. A set of noise-canceling headphones or earbuds, when available, are provided to Prime customers as well.
Meals and nonalcoholic drinks are complimentary with the airfare, but alcoholic beverages must be purchased from the Onboard Shop menu, albeit at a discount.
Prime passengers may check up to two bags for free, while checking additional luggage may be checked for a modest fee. Prime customers may also bring one free carry-on item of appropriate size and weight onboard, as well as a woman’s purse and/or diaper bag.
Destinations
Umurundi Airlines offers routes connecting to the following cities.
Accra-ACC, Ghana
Addis Ababa-ADD, Ethiopia
Antananarivo-TNR, Madagascar
Bamako-BKO, Mali
Bangui-BGF, Central African Republic
Brazzaville-BZV, Republic of the Congo
Bujumbura-BJM - HQ and Hub [map link]
Cape Town-CPT, South Africa
Casablanca-CMN, Morocco
Conakry-CKY, Guinea
Cotonou-COO, Benin
Dakar-DSS, Senegal
Dar Es Salaam-DAR, Tanzania
Douala-DLA, Cameroon
Dubai-DXB, United Arab Emirates
Harare-HRE, Zimbabwe
Johannesburg-JNB, South Africa
Juba-JUB, South Sudan
Kampala-EBB, Uganda
Kigali-KGL, Rwanda
Kigoma-TKQ - Tanzania
Kilimanjaro-JRO, Tanzania
Kinshasa-FIH, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lagos-LOS, Nigeria
Libreville-LBV, Gabon
Lilongwe-LLW, Malawi
London-LGW, UK
Luanda-LAD, Angola
Lusaka-LUN, Zambia
Mahé-SEZ, Seychelles
Maputo-MPM, Mozambique
Mombasa-MBA, Kenya
Moroni-HAH, Comoros
Mumbai-BOM, India (via ADD)
Nairobi-NBO, Kenya
N'djamena-NDJ, Chad
New York-JFK, New York USA (via TFS)
Niamey-NIM, Niger
Paris-CDG, France
Singapore-SIN, Singapore (via SEZ)
Tenerife-TFS, Spain
Toronto-YYZ, Canada (via CMN)
Yaounde-NSI, Cameroon
Zanzibar-ZNZ, Tanzania
Fleet
Fleet Development
In its earliest years Umurundi Airlines operated a single aircraft type: The Airbus A318. But because the A318 was not widely adopted, the airline eventually replaced it with the Airbus A220, which proved to be a wise choice because it had better range, better fuel efficiency and was very popular with passengers. Once the A220 began entering service, the carrier phased out the A318s, removing them entirely by 2021.
In addition to its main goal to be a low cost regional airline, Umurundi Airlines also sought to provide affordable air service to a few key destinations beyond continental Africa. To achieve this a 2nd aircraft type was selected: The Airbus A321-200, followed later by its successor the Airbus A321neo. The A321’s excellent range and higher capacity cabin made it ideal for use on long range flights as well as for higher volume flights to regional destinations including Johannesburg-JNB and Addis Ababa-ADD.
Current Fleet
Umurundi Airlines’ fleet currently includes the following aircraft.
Airbus A220-100 - 2018-Present - retiring 2026
Airbus A220-300 - 2021-Present
Airbus A321LR - 2021-Present
Former Fleet
Umurundi Airlines previously operated the following aircraft.
Airbus A318-100 - 2014-2021
Airbus A321-200 - 2014-2022
Future Fleet
Airbus A321XLR - Arriving during 2025
=Nota Bene=
Umurundi Airlines is not based on any real life airline.
In real life, Burundi has only one native airline in active service: Burundi Airlines, which exists by a thread and uses only one aircraft type, the 52 passenger Xian MA60 turboprop aircraft, a Chinese derivative of the Russian-made Antonov An-24.
Burundi Airlines’ predecessor was Air Burundi, which existed from 1971 to 2009 and at one point featured a Sud Aviation Caravelle in its fleet.
Long story short, IRL Burundi’s native airline options are singular and barely existent.Burundi is one of the smallest and poorest countries in Africa, so in real life it doesn’t require a particularly large airline presence. Thus IRL most passengers get to and from Bujumbura-BJM - the country’s only airport of any size - either through Addis Ababa-ADD via Ethiopian Airlines, through Brussels-BRU via Brussels Airlines, or through Kigali-KGL where you can connect to other parts of Africa or to select European destinations.
Long story short, IRL Burundi’s international airline options are pretty limited as well. The closest thing to a regional air hub for Burundi is Rwandair at Kigali-KGL.Despite Burundi’s current problems with airline service, as it happens airlines have proliferated in Africa because road and rail networks are underdeveloped. The African airlines that have thrived the most have been government owned airlines that are not overly controlled by their governments, though a few low cost carriers (LCCs) have managed to do well there, especially in Egypt and South Africa.
Having taken the above data points into consideration… It turns out that Bujumbura-BJM does have a nice long 11,811 foot runway, and the airport is well situated geographically to serve as a pretty sweet little airline hub for central Africa. As it turns out, geographically speaking, Bujumbura-BJM is actually well positioned to serve as a regional hub for eastern and central Africa.
So with all that in mind, I decided to create Umurundi Airlines as a thought experiment, asking myself what an airline might look like if a couple of entrepreneurs started one there. This article is the result of that thought experiment.