Uganda Airlines’ dream of becoming the king of the skies is getting and closer to reality with the country’s national carrier set to purchase four more planes to bolster its fleet of Bombardier and Airbus.
Seven other cargo planes will come in courtesy of a UAE-based prince who will be working with partners to revive Uganda’s cargo fleet.
In May this year, the airliner leased an A320 from the Johannesburg-based Global Airlines to enhance its operations, especially on the Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos and Kinshasa routes.
Uganda Airlines boasts of seven planes for both regional and long haul routes.
During the presentation of the 2024/25 budget recently, finance minister Matia Kasaija announced fresh plans to acquire four new aircraft.
“Shs162 billion has been provided for completion and operationalisation of Kabalega International Airport in Hoima; and plans are underway to acquire at least two mid-range aircraft and 2 cargo aircraft to facilitate exports in the medium term,” Kasaija said.
According to the minister, 90 percent completion of Kabalega International Airport was achieved in the current FY. The remaining 10% comprises of critical air navigation, meteorology, communication and airport operational facilities.
Kasaija also confirmed the 90 percent completion of the expansion and rehabilitation of Entebbe International Airport including the modernization of the departures and arrival areas of the terminal building.
The news of the planned purchase of four more aircraft comes at the time when Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Jumah Al Maktoum from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has promised to provide seven cargo planes to improve export of agricultural products.
The Dubai Prince was recently awarded with the distinguished Order of the Crested Crane 1st Class Medal by President Yoweri Museveni in recognition of Maktoum’s “exceptional contribution to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.”
When the Prince first arrived at Entebbe, he said: “Uganda has become my second home, and the people of Uganda are my second family. We have been looking to establish impactful projects in Uganda that will add value to the Ugandan communities.”
He noted that the first aircraft had already arrived in the country.
“We want to build an oil refinery in Uganda that will help the country to benefit from her oil wealth. We are also working to revive the Uganda air cargo, and the first aircraft has arrived,” Maktoum said.
“There are different opportunities here in Uganda, and we are looking for other projects. I have come with my partners.”
