Uganda Airlines has entered into a short-term wet lease agreement with Lithuanian carrier DAT (based in Karmelava, Lithuania) to bolster its operational capabilities for the upcoming winter schedule. The leased Airbus A320-200, which is 9.3 years old, will supplement the airline’s existing fleet of CRJ regional jets and A330 widebody aircraft.
The A320, which comes with its own crew, including pilots and cabin attendants, will play a crucial role in ensuring schedule reliability during peak maintenance periods for Uganda Airlines’ regional fleet. The additional capacity provided by this aircraft is expected to address operational challenges on high-demand routes such as Johannesburg and Kinshasa, where current fleet limitations have previously impacted performance. It will also enable the airline to enhance service levels on key regional routes to Nairobi, Lagos, and Abuja.
Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, commented on the partnership: “We are excited to collaborate with DAT to enhance our operational capacity. The growing demand for our services across the network has driven us to seek solutions that ensure we meet passenger and cargo needs. This lease agreement allows us to increase seat capacity on select routes, especially as we approach the high-demand festive season.”
The A320-200, configured with 156 seats (12 in Business Class and 144 in Economy), also offers expanded capacity for both passenger baggage and cargo, providing additional opportunities for freight operations. Uganda Airlines encourages both leisure and business travelers to take advantage of the increased capacity, ensuring a more efficient and comfortable travel experience.
This strategic six months lease is designed to help Uganda Airlines meet seasonal demand and maintain its commitment to delivering reliable and customer-focused air travel services
