Uganda Airlines’ Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) which is the airlines’ maintenance division has achieved a significant milestone by successfully performing its first engine change on one of the airline’s CRJ900 aircraft, registered as 5X-KNP.
An engine change involves the careful removal of an existing engine and the installation of a replacement.
The CRJ900 aircraft is powered by two General Electric CF34-8C5 engines, designated as Engine 1 (left) and Engine 2 (right). The operation was conducted on the Number 1 engine position.
A brand-new spare engine has been installed on 5X-KNP. The change was required to facilitate the scheduled manufacturer modification of the previously installed engine.
The removed engine will be shipped to the manufacturer for upgrades and is expected to return for installation in the Number 2 position. This will allow the second engine to undergo the same modification later.
Although engine changes are a routine aspect of aircraft maintenance, this event held special importance as it marked the first engine change performed entirely in-house by the Uganda Airlines AMO team since receiving its approval from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority in March 2024.
The process requires high technical skill and involves disconnecting the engine from its mounts, transferring components from the old engine to the new one, collectively known as the Quick Engine Change (QEC) kit, and meticulously reconnecting an intricate network of hoses, pipes, and electrical systems.
The new engine is then hoisted and securely mounted to the aircraft.
“This is a very exciting moment for us as Uganda Airlines, in that we now have the capability to maintain these aircraft to top notch conditions using very talented Ugandans,” Eng.Peter Emuge, the head of maintenance and engineering at Uganda Airlines said.
This accomplishment underscores the capability of the Uganda Airlines AMO, which is staffed by a team of highly experienced and internationally recruited engineers.
Uganda Airlines CEO, Jenifer Bamuturaki said they are also investing in the future of Ugandan aviation through its robust training programs.
Currently, 18 graduate trainees, from institutions like Soroti Flying School and universities with Mechanical and Electrical Engineering training, are receiving hands-on mentorship and were part of the team that did the engine change.
These trainees are enrolled in a structured development program designed to prepare them for aircraft maintenance licensing within three years.
“As the maintenance division of Uganda Airlines, the AMO is focused on expanding its capabilities to maintain the entire existing and future fleet of the national carrier. Looking ahead, the organisation has ambitious plans to establish hangars and workshops to conduct full-based maintenance services and aims to eventually provide maintenance support for third-party Aircraft,” Bamuturaki said.”
Uganda Airlines AMO is confident, bold, and positive about achieving these strategic goals in the near future, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and safety in African aviation.”
