Uganda Airlines has signed a deal with Boeing worth Shs3.7 trillion to acquire eight new passenger planes and two cargo aircraft, marking a major step in expanding its fleet and global reach.
The cargo planes include one Boeing 767 wide-body converted freighter and one Boeing 737 BCF freighter, which will help the airline transport more goods across the region and internationally.
The signing took place on Wednesday by the Uganda Airlines chief executive officer Girma Wake at State House, under the watch of president Museveni, government officials, Boeing senior vice president for commercial sales and Marketing Brad McMullen and US Embassy representatives.
“This milestone commemorates the beginning of a long-term partnership between Uganda Airlines and Boeing,” the airline said.
It added that the new aircraft will significantly increase Uganda Airlines’ capacity to serve regional, continental, and international markets while supporting Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.
Uganda Airlines said the fleet expansion will support trade, tourism, investment, and cargo development, helping the country achieve its Vision 2040 goals.
“This is a strategic investment in Uganda’s future and a major step towards establishing Uganda as a leading aviation hub in the region,” the airline added.
Boeing Vice President of Sales, Anbessie Yitbarek, pledged to support Uganda Airlines with training, technical expertise, and capacity-building initiatives.
Uganda Airlines currently flies two Airbus A330-800neo aircraft on long-haul routes and four Bombardier CRJ-900LR jets on regional routes. The airline recently added an Airbus A320-200 on a short-term lease to meet growing demand.
The new planes are expected to improve business and leisure travel, boost cargo transport, and strengthen Uganda’s connections to the rest of the world.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Henry Musasizi, former Works and Transport Minister Gen. Katumba Wamala, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi, former Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport Waiswa Bageya.
