Uganda Airlines plans fleet refresh with 10 Boeing jets

Carrier says it will use the jets to improve flight connections through Entebbe and to aid Uganda’s economic development.

Uganda Airlines plans to acquire 10 Boeing aircraft, including eight new passenger jets and two converted freighters, under an agreement it describes as representing a “long-term” partnership with the US manufacturer.

The Entebbe-based airline disclosed the decision in 10 June social media posts, saying it “signed a commitment with Boeing to acquire eight new passenger aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the national carrier’s fleet expansion and long-term growth strategy.”

It also plans to acquire one 737 Boeing Converted Freighter and one cargo-converted 767.

“This milestone commemorates the beginning of a long-term partnership between Uganda Airlines and Boeing,” its post says, calling the commitment “a strategic investment in Uganda’s future and a major step towards establishing Uganda as a leading aviation hub in the region”.

The jets will give Uganda Airlines more “capacity to serve regional, continental and international markets while supporting Uganda’s economic transformation needs”, boosting “trade, tourism, investment and cargo development”, it adds.

Uganda Airlines does not specify what type of passenger jets it intends to receive, nor when, and does not disclose details about its freighter plans.

The airline cannot immediately be reached for additional information, and Boeing defers comment to the carrier.

It committed to the deal at a ceremony in Uganda’s state house attended by representatives from Boeing and Ugandan leaders including president Yoweri Museveni.

Boeing will support Uganda Airlines with “technical expertise, training and capacity building initiatives”, says the manufacturer’s vice-president of sales Anbessie Yitbarek.

The airline now operates six jets, including one Airbus A330-800, one 737-800 (owned by Ethiopian Airlines), one 787-9 (leased from AerCap) and three MHIRJ CRJ900 regional jets. It also has one A330-800 and one CRJ900 in storage, according to fleet data provider Cirium.

Uganda Airlines operates flights from Entebbe to about one dozen African destinations and to Dubai, Guangzhou, London, Jeddah and Mumbai, its website shows.