The National carrier has announced it’s first order with Boeing for 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner Jets, in a bid to boost it’s capacity and serve more markets to meet rising travel demand in the region and on the international market.
According to the acting Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ato Girma Wake, the orders include four 737-8 and four 787-9 airplanes which will grow and modernize its fleet.
“This commitment with Boeing marks a defining step in Uganda Airlines’ growth journey and in our broader ambition to position Entebbe as a strategic aviation hub for the region,” he said.
He added, “The aircraft will strengthen our ability to connect Uganda more efficiently to regional, continental and international markets, while supporting trade, tourism, investment and cargo development”.
Mr Wake made the remarks on Tuesday, following the commitment at the ongoing Farnborough International Air show, taking place in Hampshire, England.
Mr Wake noted that together, the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner will enable Uganda Airlines to serve more destinations while reducing fuel use by 20-25 percent compared to the airplanes they replace.
“Just as importantly, this partnership brings together Uganda Airlines and Boeing in a long-term relationship focused not only on fleet growth, but also on technical excellence, training and capacity building” he said.
He added, “We are proud to celebrate this milestone at Farnborough as we invest in the future of our national carrier and in Uganda’s economic transformation”.
The Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Brad McMullen, welcomed Uganda Airlines as it’s latest customer.
“We’re pleased to welcome Uganda Airlines as a Boeing customer and support the airline’s next phase of growth with the 737-8 and 787-9” he said.
He added, “These airplanes offer efficiency, range and versatility to help Uganda Airlines strengthen and expand its network”
McMullen noted that the 737-8, which can fly 160-180 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), is well-suited for Uganda Airlines’ intra-Africa routes and service to the Middle East and India.
“With a range up to 8,300 nautical miles (15,370 km), the 787-9 will support the airline’s high-demand long-haul routes to the Middle East, Asia and Europe” he said.
The announcement follows the recent the signing of a framework agreement between Uganda Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake and Boeing Vice President for Africa Anbessie Yitbarek at State House, Entebbe, witnessed by President Yoweri Museveni.
Besides the eight passenger aircraft, the agreement also provides for the future acquisition of one Boeing 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) and one Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter, as Uganda Airlines prepares to expand into dedicated cargo operations.
Currently, the national carrier flies to 17 destinations in 13 countries from its hub in Entebbe, operating four Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets and two Airbus A330-800neo wide-body aircraft. The addition of the Boeing fleet is expected to increase passenger capacity, open new routes and strengthen the airline’s position in the regional and international aviation market.
