Uganda Airlines said it has signed an agreement covering the acquisition of 10 aircraft from Boeing as the state-owned carrier seeks to expand its fleet following a period marked by operational disruptions and aircraft shortages.
The agreement was signed in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni on June 10 and includes eight passenger aircraft alongside two freighters consisting of a Boeing 767 converted freighter and a Boeing 737 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF). Local reports valued the package at about 3.7 trillion Ugandan shillings (US$985 million).
Uganda Airlines did not identify the passenger aircraft involved in the agreement. However, local reports said the aircraft would feature 294 seats, a capacity consistent with the Boeing 787-9. Images released by the airline alongside the announcement also depict a Boeing 787 and a Boeing 737 MAX, although Boeing has not publicly confirmed the aircraft types included in the deal.
Officials said deliveries will begin with four passenger aircraft before the remaining airplanes are introduced. No delivery schedule has been disclosed.
The deal would significantly reshape the fleet of Uganda Airlines, which currently operates four CRJ900 regional jets, a Boeing 737-800 and two Airbus A330-800neos.
The A330-800 has become one of the rarest commercial airliners in service. Airbus secured only eight firm orders for the type, with Uganda Airlines receiving two aircraft between late 2020 and early 2021.
The carrier has faced serious operational problems in recent months. One of its A330-800s has reportedly been stored at Entebbe since January, while maintenance issues and spare parts shortages have contributed to disruptions on long-haul routes.
In February, the airline suspended flights to destinations including London, Mumbai and Lagos after technical issues affected part of its fleet. Uganda Airlines later leased a Boeing 787 from Ethiopian Airlines to maintain some international operations.
The difficulties coincided with management changes at the carrier. President Museveni removed chief executive Jennifer Bamuturaki earlier this year following criticism over financial performance, operational reliability and governance issues.
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The aircraft acquisition forms part of a government-backed effort to stabilize and expand the airline. Ugandan authorities have previously approved additional funding for new aircraft and the launch of additional international routes.
