Uganda Airlines Orders 8 New Passenger Planes from Boeing

Uganda Airlines has announced its first-ever direct aircraft order from Boeing, signing a deal for eight new passenger jets as it accelerates plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its presence on regional and long-haul routes.

The landmark agreement was unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom and includes the purchase of four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

The order marks the beginning of a direct partnership between Uganda’s national carrier and the American aerospace giant, with the airline seeking to boost connectivity across Africa while opening up more destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The aircraft acquisition follows a framework agreement signed at State House Entebbe in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni. The agreement was executed by Uganda Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake and Boeing’s Vice President for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek.

In addition to the eight passenger aircraft, the partnership outlines plans for Uganda Airlines to acquire two Boeing converted freighter aircraft in the future. These include a Boeing 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter and a Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter, paving the way for the airline’s expansion into dedicated cargo services.

The agreement also covers pilot training, technical support, engineering cooperation and the development of aircraft maintenance capabilities. Boeing will also work with Soroti Flying School to strengthen aviation training and build local technical expertise.

Speaking after the announcement, Acting CEO Ato Girma Wake described the order as a major milestone in the airline’s growth strategy.

He said the new aircraft would enable Uganda Airlines to expand its route network while supporting the country’s ambition of transforming Entebbe International Airport into a leading regional aviation hub.

Wake noted that the expanded fleet would improve passenger connectivity, facilitate trade and tourism, attract investment and strengthen Uganda’s growing cargo transport sector.

Under the airline’s expansion plans, the Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft will primarily serve regional destinations across Africa, as well as routes to the Middle East and India. The larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will be deployed on long-haul services connecting Uganda to Europe, Asia and other international markets.

Boeing welcomed the deal, with Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen expressing confidence in Uganda Airlines’ future growth.

He said Boeing looks forward to supporting the carrier’s expansion through the delivery of the fuel-efficient 737-8 and 787-9 aircraft.

According to the manufacturer, both aircraft models consume between 20 and 25 percent less fuel than the older aircraft they replace, reducing operating costs while improving environmental efficiency.

Wake added that the agreement extends beyond aircraft procurement, creating a long-term partnership focused on technical training, engineering support and developing Uganda’s aviation workforce.

Uganda Airlines currently operates a fleet of four Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets and two Airbus A330-800neo wide-body aircraft. The addition of the new Boeing fleet is expected to significantly increase passenger capacity, open new international routes and enhance the airline’s competitiveness in the global aviation market.

The Farnborough International Airshow, held every two years in the United Kingdom, is one of the world’s largest aviation exhibitions, bringing together airlines, aircraft manufacturers, governments and aerospace companies to showcase new technology and sign major commercial agreements.