Uganda Airlines is poised to increase its capacity and serve more markets to meet rising travel demand from the East African region by placing its first ever Boeing Aircraft orders at the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom.
The airline announced an order for four 737-8 and four 787-9 airplanes to grow and modernize its fleet; its first-ever Boeing airplane purchase aimed at supporting growing demand across its regional and international network.
Ato Girma Wake, Uganda Airlines CEO said that, “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 added that the aircraft will strengthen the carrier’s ability to connect Uganda more efficiently to regional, continental and international markets, while supporting trade, tourism, investment and cargo development.
Speaking further, the airline CEO stressed that, “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. 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.”
Sharing his excitement, Boeing’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Brad McMullen noted, “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. These airplanes offer efficiency, range and versatility to help Uganda Airlines strengthen and expand its network.”
Having a capacity for 160-180 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), the 737-8 is well-suited for Uganda Airlines’ intra-Africa routes and service to the Middle East and India.
Similarly, the 787-9 with a range up to 8,300 nautical miles (15,370 km) will support the airline’s high-demand long-haul routes to the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Jointly, the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner will enable Uganda Airlines to serve more destinations while reducing fuel use by 20-25% compared to the airplanes they replace.
Uganda Airlines currently flies to 17 destinations in 13 countries from its hub in Entebbe.
