Uganda’s aspirations for bolstering its aviation sector are poised for a significant leap forward as reports emerge of a potential deal between the government, under President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership, and Boeing.
According to simpleflying.com, the deal, if finalized, would see Uganda Airlines acquire two new Boeing 787 Dreamliners and two freighters, marking a pivotal moment in the national carrier’s expansion strategy.
A visit from Boeing officials
According to 256 Business News, sources familiar with the matter disclosed that President Museveni had authorized the purchase of the new aircraft. Following a meeting between Ugandan government officials and a team from Boeing on April 22, an agreement was reached to purchase a 737-800F and a 777F, as well as two 787 Dreamliners.
However, there has been no official announcement from the airline, the government, or the manufacturer. Furthermore, details on which variants the government will acquire are still unclear. The Boeing team was led by Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Turkey, Africa & Central Asia (METACA). Following the meeting, President Museveni said on X,
“A team from Boeing, led by Mr Kuljit Ghata-Aura, the President of Boeing Africa, visited me at State House Entebbe. We have plans to increase the Uganda Airlines fleet for both cargo and passenger aircraft.”
“On fleet maintenance, I welcome the idea of having some light maintenance here initially. Where applicable, we hope to utilize existing capacity for maintenance service in brotherly countries like Ethiopia until our fleet grows to allow us to have it done fully in Uganda.”
According to ch-aviation, Uganda Airlines has a fleet of six aircraft, comprising four CRJ900LRs and two Airbus A330-800s. It has also secured an A320-200 wet-leased from South Africa’s Global Aviation Operations. The carrier firmed up its order for the Airbus widebodies back in April 2019, about four months before it started commercial operations. It received the first A330neo in December 2020 and the second in January 2021.