Rwanda's national airline RwandAir has launched its first-ever direct scheduled flight between Rwanda and Europe with the launch of service between Kigali and London Gatwick International Airport.

The inaugural flight took off from Kigali International Airport on Friday by 12:55pm local time en route to Gatwick International Airport, London's second busiest airport, touching down at about 8p.m local time.

On board Flight WB700 operated by the recently acquired Airbus A330-300 aircraft named Umurage, were over 60 passengers excited to fly from the heart of Africa to Europe’s financial hub.

The inaugural flight received the traditional water cannon salute when it touched down at London Gatwick International Airport to the excitement of guests.

The new route will be operated by the airlines brand new Airbus A330 aircraft that boasts of in-flight connectivity and generous legroom.

The airline will fly to London three times a week and is expected to boost tourism and trade between the UK and Rwanda.

The addition of London to its network takes RwandAirs's total domestic and international destinations to 22.