Uganda Airlines, the country’s flag-carrier has received the first A330neo Airbus aircraft. The aircraft is the latest version of the most popular wide body airliner which was established in 2019.
On Monday, the Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala led a delegation of government officials to receive the first A330neo Airbus aircraft in Toulouse, France, where he exchanged pleasantries with Mikail Houari, the president of Airbus Africa and the Middle East.
In line with the Company’s strategy to keep offering its customers unbeatable economics, increased operational efficiency and superior passenger comfort, the A330-800 is the latest addition to Airbus’ commercial aircraft product line. Thanks to its tailored, mid-sized capacity and its excellent range versatility, the A330neo is considered the ideal aircraft to operate as part of the post-Covid-19 recovery.
Featuring Airbus’ Airspace cabin, passengers can enjoy a unique experience and explore its full comfort with 20 full-flat, business-class beds, 28 premium-economy seats and 210 economy-class seats, totalling 258 seats.
The A330neo will enable the new airline to launch its long-range operations with non-stop intercontinental flights to the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
The A330neo is a true new-generation aircraft, building on the features of the popular A330 and using technology developed for the A350. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and featuring a new wing with increased span and A350-inspired Sharklets, the A330neo provides an unprecedented level of efficiency.
The aircraft burns 25% less fuel per seat than previous generation competitors. The A330neo cabin offers a unique passenger experience with more personal space and the latest generation in-flight entertainment system and connectivity.
This year, the government received four Bombardier CRJ900 regional Aircrafts that were ordered by Uganda National Airlines Company in July 2018.
The commercialization of the airline will start on 28 august to various destinations in Kenya, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo), Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Zanzibar.
Established in May 1976, Uganda Airlines, started operations in 1977 and was liquidated in May 2001 after efforts to privatize the company failed due to massive debts it had incurred.
Its revival now means Uganda Airlines will have to compete with Africa’s best such as South Africa Airways, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, RwandAir and others on the continent, not forgetting International ones such as Emirates Airways, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airways among others that land at Entebbe International Airport.
