By Samuel Ssenono | Farnborough, United Kingdom
Uganda Airlines has placed its first direct order with Boeing, committing to the purchase of eight passenger aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow as the national carrier moves to expand its regional and long-haul network.
The order comprises four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking the beginning of a direct commercial partnership between Uganda Airlines and the American aircraft manufacturer.
The announcement follows the signing of a framework agreement at State House, Entebbe, witnessed by President Yoweri Museveni. The agreement was signed by Uganda Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake and Boeing Vice President for Africa Anbessie Yitbarek.
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.
The partnership further includes pilot type-rating training, technical support, development of aircraft maintenance capabilities and cooperation with Soroti Flying School to strengthen Uganda’s aviation training capacity.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake said the acquisition would strengthen the airline’s route network and support Uganda’s ambition of making Entebbe a regional aviation hub.
“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,” Wake said.
He said the new aircraft would improve connectivity to regional, continental and international markets while supporting trade, tourism, investment and cargo development.
The Boeing 737-8 MAX will operate regional routes within Africa as well as services to the Middle East and India. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will be deployed on long-haul routes to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Boeing Senior Vice President for Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen welcomed Uganda Airlines as a Boeing 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.
According to Boeing, the two aircraft models consume 20 to 25 per cent less fuel than the aircraft they are designed to replace, helping airlines lower operating costs and improve efficiency.
Wake said the agreement goes beyond the purchase of aircraft and establishes a long-term partnership in technical training, engineering support and capacity building.
Uganda Airlines currently operates 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.
The Farnborough International Airshow, held every two years in the United Kingdom, brings together aircraft manufacturers, airlines, defence companies, suppliers and government delegations to showcase new technology and conclude major commercial agreements.
