RwandAir, the national carrier of Rwanda, has selected Ethiopian Airlines as a strategic partner, according to The Reporter.

RwandAir has been offering a 49 percent stake for a strategic partner to invest in RwandAir, be represented in the management and provide technical assistance to the airline.

Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways were among the international airlines that have shown interest in RwandAir’s offer. After reviewing several international airlines, the management board of RwandAir has selected Ethiopian Airlines as a strategic partner.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam, told The Reporter that two weeks ago a delegation from RwandAir led by John Mirenge, CEO of RwandAir came to Addis Ababa and informed the selection of Ethiopian Airlines to its management board.

“We will have a series of meetings and negotiations on the details,” Tewolde told The Reporter. Ethiopian and Rwandan Ministry of Transport is expected to sign the partnership agreement in the coming few months.

RwandAir is the third African airline to partner with Ethiopian following ASKY and Malawi Airlines. Kigali will also become Ethiopian’s fourth hub after Addis Ababa, Lome, and Lilongwe.