New Uganda Airlines planes to boost exports – Rugunda

  • by Mary Ociiti
  • February 3, 2021

The introduction of direct flights  to international destinations by Uganda Airlines is going to reduce time spent on journeys and will guarantee an exciting experience for tourists. This is according to Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, who Tuesday morning received the last of two Airbus 330Neo aircraft purchased by Uganda Airlines.

Dr Rugunda, who was the chief guest at the occasion at Entebbe Airport stated that the government’s plan is to implement an export-led growth strategy and, that the cargo capabilities of the Airbus A330neo will boost this strategy.

The 100 % government-owned Uganda Airlines currently owns a full fleet of six aircraft. On October 7th 2019, the national carrier  received two new Bombardier planes growing the number of aircraft fleet owned by the national carrier to four. The first two aircraft were received on April 23, 2019 at Entebbe International Airport and official operations of the Airline kicked off in September with regional flights.

The two A330-800 airliners, are the latest version of the most popular A330 widebody airliner. Plans are to use the two aircraft for the second phase of the Airline’s growth plan, with flights to the United Kingdom, China and Dubak, some of the most popular travel destinations for Ugandans.

The Airlines plans to use the A330-800 to build its medium- and long-haul network with the aircraft offering cutting-edge technology along with more efficient operations.

The arrival of the new aircrafts is a sign of commitment by President Museveni and the NRM government to revive the National Airline after almost 20 years.