Uganda Airlines Boosts Fleet with Leased Boeing to Tackle Regional Demand

Uganda Airlines has expanded its fleet with the arrival of its first leased Boeing 737-800, following a “wet-lease” agreement with Ethiopian Airlines. This move aims to address recent challenges with flight delays and capacity shortages on busy regional routes.

The newly acquired Boeing 737-800, registered as ET-APL, provides much-needed mid-range capacity, offering 160 seats. This aircraft, along with its crew, maintenance, and insurance, is provided by Ethiopian Airlines under the ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) lease. This arrangement allows Uganda Airlines to quickly scale up operations without extended procurement or training periods.

The airline has been operating with a limited fleet of four Bombardier CRJ-900s and two Airbus A330-800neos, leading to operational pressures. The new Boeing will bolster capacity on high-demand routes such as Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Lagos, improving passenger and cargo services.

An airline official highlighted the partnership as a significant step towards ensuring a more reliable travel experience for passengers. This fleet augmentation comes as the airline undergoes reforms, with Girma Wake, a former Ethiopian Airlines executive, recently appointed as Acting CEO.

A second leased aircraft is anticipated to join the fleet shortly, further strengthening Uganda Airlines’ operational capabilities and schedule reliability.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)