Photo: Boeing Aircraft manufacturer Boeing and Uganda's national airline, Uganda Airlines, have announced a historic deal in which the company will purchase four Boeing 737-8 (MAX) aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
This is the first Boeing aircraft purchase in the company's history, intended to renew the aircraft fleet and accelerate its expansion on regional and international routes.
According to the company's CEO, Girma Wake, the deal marks a significant milestone in the development of Uganda Airlines and the vision of transforming Entebbe Airport into a strategic aviation hub in East Africa.
Wake explained that the new aircraft will strengthen their ability to connect Uganda to regional, continental and international markets more effectively, while supporting the growth of trade, tourism, investment and cargo development.
The 737 MAX 8 aircraft, designed to carry 160-180 passengers, will be used by the company on routes within Africa, as well as to destinations in the Middle East and India. The 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with a flight range of up to approximately 15,370 km, will enable the expansion of long-haul routes to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Boeing also welcomed the agreement. Brad McMullen, executive vice president of commercial airplane sales and marketing, said the company was pleased to add Uganda Airlines to its customer list. He said the two aircraft models will provide the airline with a combination of efficiency, range and operational flexibility that will help expand its network of destinations.
According to Boeing, which also announced up to 148 aircraft commitments from Riyadh Air, Philippine Airlines, and SMBC Aviation Capital at Farnborough Airshow, the combination of the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 20%-25% compared to the aircraft they will replace, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing operating costs.
The CEO of Uganda Airlines added that beyond the purchase of the aircraft, the agreement constitutes a long-term partnership with Boeing, which will also include professional training, technical support, and capacity development.
Uganda Airlines currently operates flights to 17 destinations in 13 countries, all departing from Entebbe International Airport, and the company sees the new acquisition as a basis for expanding its operations in the coming years.