Uganda Airlines is taking bold steps to enhance its operations and strengthen its position in the aviation industry. The national carrier has unveiled plans to acquire six new aircraft and establish a dedicated aircraft maintenance hangar, a move expected to significantly cut operational costs.
Currently, Uganda Airlines operates a fleet comprising two Airbus A330-800neo aircraft for long-haul international flights and four Bombardier CRJ-900LRs for regional and shorter routes. The airline recently introduced an Airbus A320-200 on a short-term wet lease from Lithuania-based DAT. However, maintenance remains a major expense, consuming nearly 20% of the airline’s budget.
To address this challenge, Uganda Airlines is working towards setting up its own aircraft hangar, which is estimated to cost around $50 million (Shs 183 billion). By doing so, the airline aims to reduce dependence on foreign maintenance facilities, saving valuable foreign exchange. According to Adedayo Olawuyi, the airline’s chief commercial officer, this initiative is part of a broader 10-year strategic plan set to launch later this year.
“We are engaging with the Ugandan Civil Aviation Authority to secure land for the hangar. Once operational, this facility will allow us to perform in-house maintenance, reducing our reliance on overseas facilities,” Olawuyi stated.
Uganda Airlines recently received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO). The airline has since trained engineers to conduct line maintenance at Entebbe Airport. However, heavy maintenance tasks are still outsourced to international AMOs. The goal is to develop in-house capabilities to handle these checks in the future.
As part of its ambitious expansion strategy, Uganda Airlines plans to acquire four mid-range aircraft, specifically the Airbus A320 and A321neo, as well as two Boeing Dreamliners for long-haul operations. Additionally, the airline intends to boost its cargo transport capacity with two freighters—a Boeing 737 for regional cargo and a Boeing 777 for international freight operations.
Uganda Airlines has been rapidly expanding its route network, recently launching a direct service to London Gatwick. This marks its third intercontinental destination after Mumbai and Dubai. The airline currently serves 17 destinations, including key African cities like Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Dar es Salaam.
Further expansion is on the horizon, with plans to introduce flights to Accra (Ghana), Jeddah and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Cape Town (South Africa) before the end of the year. Looking ahead, the airline aims to operate between 32 and 35 destinations by the end of its 10-year strategic plan. One of its future goals includes launching flights to Guangzhou, China, contingent upon acquiring a third wide-body aircraft.
In addition to fleet expansion and maintenance facilities, Uganda Airlines is considering investing in its own airport hotel to cater to passengers with long layovers at Entebbe International Airport. Olawuyi highlighted that some travelers experience layovers of up to 10 hours, and providing quality accommodation will improve their overall experience while boosting tourism.
Currently, the airline incurs significant costs arranging hotel stays for both passengers and crew. Establishing an in-house hotel will not only enhance passenger comfort but also reduce operational expenses. Uganda Airlines aims to replicate the successful business model of airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, which own airport hotels, catering services, and maintenance facilities to optimize efficiency and profitability.
With a clear vision and an ambitious growth strategy, Uganda Airlines is poised to elevate its presence in the aviation industry. From fleet expansion and new routes to in-house maintenance and passenger accommodation, these initiatives signal the airline’s commitment to long-term sustainability and enhanced customer experience. As it works towards these milestones, Uganda Airlines is set to become a stronger competitor on both regional and international fronts.
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