Written By | BK Mugizi
The Boeing 737-8 aircraft, which can carry between 160 and 180 passengers, will primarily serve regional routes within Africa as well as destinations in the Middle East and India.
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FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom
Uganda Airlines has signed a landmark agreement with Boeing to purchase eight new aircraft in a move aimed at modernising its fleet and expanding its regional and international operations.
The national carrier announced an order for four Boeing 737-8 aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners during the Farnborough International Airshow, marking its first direct purchase of Boeing aircraft.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake described the acquisition as a major milestone in the airline's growth strategy and Uganda's ambition to establish Entebbe International Airport as 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 enable the airline to connect Uganda more efficiently to regional, continental and international markets while supporting tourism, trade, investment, and cargo development.
The Boeing 737-8 aircraft, which can carry between 160 and 180 passengers, will primarily serve regional routes within Africa as well as destinations in the Middle East and India. The larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will operate on long-haul routes to the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
According to Boeing, the new aircraft will reduce fuel consumption by between 20 and 25 percent compared to the aircraft they replace, helping to lower operating costs while improving environmental performance.
Boeing Senior Vice President for Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen welcomed Uganda Airlines as a new 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," McMullen said.
Wake added that the partnership extends beyond the purchase of aircraft to include technical cooperation, training, and capacity building, which will strengthen the airline's long-term operations.
Uganda Airlines, which resumed operations in 2019 after decades of inactivity, currently operates scheduled passenger and cargo services to 17 destinations across 13 countries from its hub at Entebbe International Airport.
The acquisition is expected to boost the airline's capacity and support its plans to expand services as demand for air travel continues to grow across East Africa and beyond.
