Uganda Airlines Signs Landmark Deal for 8 New Boeing Aircraft

In a major leap forward for East Africa’s aviation sector, Uganda Airlines has signed a historic direct deal with American aerospace giant Boeing to acquire eight brand-new aircraft. Announced on Tuesday at the prestigious Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, the order marks the national carrier’s first direct purchase from Boeing as it prepares for an aggressive fleet and route expansion.

The multi-jet order comprises four Boeing 737-8 narrow-body aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner wide-body jets. The acquisition comes six years after Uganda Airlines officially revived commercial operations in 2019, positioning the flag carrier to boost passenger capacity, open lucrative long-haul corridors, and turn Entebbe International Airport into a major regional hub.

Currently, Uganda Airlines operates two long-haul Airbus A330-800neo aircraft, four Bombardier CRJ-900 regional jets, and one leased Boeing 737-800 utilized to supplement high-demand regional flights.

Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Ato Girma Wake, described the transaction as a transformative moment in the airline’s long-term master plan to scale operations across Africa and beyond.

“This commitment with Boeing marks a defining step in Uganda Airlines’ growth journey and in our broader ambition to position Entebbe as a strategic aviation hub for the region,” Wake stated. “The aircraft will strengthen our ability to connect Uganda more efficiently to regional, continental and international markets, while supporting trade, tourism, investment and cargo development.”

Beyond aircraft deliveries, Wake emphasized that the partnership includes a comprehensive technical support framework aimed at building local capacity in engineering, flight operations, and crew training.

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The new Boeing aircraft will be strategically split to handle regional, medium-haul, and long-haul operations:

 Boeing 737-8s: To be deployed across high-density regional African routes, as well as medium-haul connections to the Middle East and India.

 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners: Dedicated to long-haul, intercontinental flights connecting Entebbe directly to key commercial destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

According to Boeing, the new-generation airframes will yield a 20% to 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to older aircraft in their class, significantly lowering operating overheads while boosting payload capacity.

Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President for Commercial Sales and Marketing, welcomed Uganda Airlines to Boeing’s global customer portfolio:

“We’re pleased to welcome Uganda Airlines as a Boeing customer and support the airline’s next phase of growth with the 737-8 and 787-9,” McMullen said. “These airplanes offer efficiency, range and versatility to help Uganda Airlines strengthen and expand its network.”

Uganda Airlines currently flies to 17 destinations across 13 countries from its hub in Entebbe, with new cargo and passenger routes slated to launch as deliveries commence.