Airbus A330-800 Uganda Airlines Dubai Airshow 2021
An upcoming order from Uganda Airlines for eight factory-new Boeing aircraft and two converted freighters signals a major expansion of the African carrier. It also confirms the airline as a Boeing customer.
Uganda Airlines signed a commitment with Boeing on Wednesday for eight new planes, believed to be four 787-9s and four MAX 8s. The ceremony was held in Kampala at the State House, the official residence of the country’s President Museveni. The MoU of LoI could be confirmed next month at the Farnborough Airshow.
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Start My Test Flight →Uganda’s passenger fleet currently consists of a single 14-year-old Boeing 737-800 and two Airbus A330-800s, making it one of the few airlines to operate the smaller version of the A330neo. The regional fleet has four Mitsubishi/Bombardier CRJ900s.
The fleet renewal and expansion fit Uganda’s Vision 2040 to grow the economy through more trade and tourism, to achieve sustainable middle-income status, the airline says. The eight Boeing aircraft not only significantly grew the fleet and capacity, but their range also brings new destinations within reach.
A 767-300BCF and 737-800BCF add cargo space to the belly capacity and open up new options to establish a cargo network out of Kampala.
Sales teams
The commitment to Boeing has taken a while to be confirmed. Back in 2023, the airline welcomed sales teams of both the US airframer and Airbus. At the time, Uganda was reportedly considering six new passenger aircraft and two freighters, but this will now become eight passenger jets.
With a seat capacity gap between the CRJs, 737-800 and the A330-800s, Uganda Airlines has struggled to make a profit on various routes. It clearly lacked a mid-sized aircraft that could do routes for which the widebodies were too big. As a result, its services to Dubai were loss-making, but it is still on the airline’s network. Other long-haul services include London Gatwick and Mumbai. Guangzhou has been on the list since 2020, but it still has to operate on this route.
Within Africa, Uganda Airlines operates to Nairobi, Mogadishu, Dar es Salaam, Juba, Bujumbura, Kinshasa, Johannesburg, Lagos, Harare and Lusaka.
Boeing will support Uganda Airlines with technical expertise and training.
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