The Uganda National Airlines Company has ordered four new CRJ900 regional jets with the Bombardier Commercial Aircraft in a bid to revive the national airline.
Based on the list price for the CRJ900 aircraft, the firm order is valued at approximately $190 million (Shs700m).
In a statement released on Wednesday afternoon, Jean-Paul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle-East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft said: “We congratulate the government of Uganda for the revival of its national flag carrier, and are thrilled that the new airline has selected Bombardier and the CRJ900 regional jets for its upcoming debut”.
Jean-Paul Boutibou noted that the CRJ Series aircraft has been recognized for its superior economics and efficiency, and have enabled airlines worldwide to serve communities with better connectivity.
“We look forward to supporting the development of Uganda’s regional air travel with these CRJ900 regional jets” he said.
“We are delighted to have ordered the world’s leading regional jet, and we look forward to providing the most modern passenger experience in regional aviation to the people of Uganda and across Africa,” said Ephraim Bagenda, the CEO of the Uganda National Airlines.
The twinjets will feature a dual-class configuration with 76 seats, including 12 business class ones.
Earlier this month Uganda’s Minister for Planning, David Bahati, told a cabinet meeting that he expects the state-backed carrier to commence operations between March and April 2019.
In line with its international aspirations, the Ugandan government has also alluded to acquiring two A330-200s for Uganda Airlines.
Uganda has been without a large scale commercial carrier since the then cash-strapped Air Uganda was forced out of business in 2013.