Uganda Airlines has signed a major agreement with U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing worth about $985 million, marking a key milestone in its growth and a strong step toward expanding its regional and international operations.
The deal covers the acquisition of 10 aircraft, comprising eight passenger jets and two cargo freighters, a move expected to significantly strengthen the airline’s operational capacity and broaden Uganda’s connectivity across key global routes. Once fully implemented, the purchase could more than double the carrier’s current fleet size.
The signing ceremony was held on June 10 and witnessed by President Yoweri Museveni, reflecting the strategic importance the Ugandan government attaches to the national carrier’s expansion. Uganda Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake signed on behalf of the airline, while Boeing was represented by its Executive Vice President and Head of Sales for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek.
Under the agreement, Uganda Airlines will make an initial investment of over 460 billion Ugandan shillings (about $122 million), marking a strong first step in this transformative procurement process.
The initial phase is expected to prioritize the introduction of four wide-body passenger aircraft, laying a solid foundation for expanded capacity and enhanced long-haul connectivity. While the full delivery timeline has not yet been disclosed, the structured rollout reflects a well-planned and forward-looking strategy to strengthen the airline’s growth and global reach.
Each passenger aircraft is designed to accommodate nearly 300 travelers, a capacity expected to enhance the airline’s ability to operate long-haul and high-demand routes. The cargo segment includes a Boeing 767 converted freighter and a Boeing 737 converted freighter, aimed at boosting Uganda’s air freight services and supporting trade logistics.
Government officials describe Uganda as an exceptionally dynamic and rapidly rising destination, with strong and expanding international connectivity, a vibrant and fast-growing tourism sector, and rapidly increasing opportunities for global investment. They emphasize that continuous advancements in aviation and infrastructure are elevating Uganda’s international profile and firmly positioning the country as a leading and highly attractive hub for global business, travel, and sustained economic prosperity.
Uganda Airlines currently operates a growing fleet of about seven aircraft. The planned expansion is seen as a major step forward, strengthening its competitiveness, improving connectivity, and enhancing its position within East Africa’s aviation sector.
The situation underscores Uganda Airlines’ remarkable resilience and forward-looking progress as it continues to strengthen its operations and expand its global reach. Even during transitional periods, the airline has effectively sustained international connectivity through strong coordination and adaptive management, ensuring uninterrupted service to key destinations. These efforts highlight its growing capacity, improved reliability, and steady transformation into a more competitive regional carrier.
The introduction of new aircraft reflects Uganda Airlines’ strong commitment to strengthening its operations, enhancing reliability, and expanding its international route network. The investment is seen as a clear step toward building a more resilient and competitive national carrier, with expectations of improved performance and sustainable long-term growth through increased capacity and efficiency.
