Uganda Airlines has placed its first-ever direct aircraft order with Boeing, committing to the purchase of eight new aircraft as the national carrier accelerates plans to expand its regional and international network while positioning Entebbe as a key aviation hub in East Africa.
The order comprises four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet modernisation strategy. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Uganda Airlines’ capacity to meet growing passenger demand, open new routes and improve operational efficiency across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, Ato Girma Wake, described the agreement as a defining moment for the airline, saying the investment supports the country’s ambition to transform Entebbe into a strategic gateway for trade, tourism, investment and cargo services.
According to him, the new aircraft will significantly enhance the airline’s ability to connect Uganda with regional, continental and global markets while supporting the country’s broader economic development goals.
The Boeing 737-8 MAX, which accommodates between 160 and 180 passengers in a two-class configuration, will primarily serve regional destinations across Africa as well as routes to the Middle East and India. The larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with its long-range capability, will be deployed on high-demand intercontinental services to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Brad McMullen, welcomed Uganda Airlines as a new Boeing customer, noting that the combination of the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner provides the flexibility, range and fuel efficiency required to support the airline’s next phase of growth.
The manufacturer said the new-generation aircraft consume between 20 and 25 per cent less fuel than the models they are expected to replace, helping the airline reduce operating costs and lower carbon emissions while expanding its network.
Beyond the aircraft purchase, Uganda Airlines said the agreement establishes a long-term partnership with Boeing that will also focus on technical support, training and capacity development as the carrier continues to strengthen its operations.
Currently, Uganda Airlines operates flights to 17 destinations across 13 countries from its hub at Entebbe International Airport. The fleet expansion is expected to provide the airline with greater flexibility to increase frequencies on existing routes and launch new services as demand for air travel across Africa and beyond continues to grow.
