Uganda Airlines will start inter-continental operations of long-haul routes to Europe, Asia and the Middle-East. This will be after completing their ongoing A330-800neo aircraft certification process with the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. This is a five phase process which once complete will result in the addition of the aircraft to the Uganda Airlines Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
The targeted initial routes with the A330 are London, Dubai, Guangzhou and Mumbai, with the airline operating direct flights to these city pairs from Entebbe International Airport.
Meanwhile the process of obtaining traffic lights, foreign air operator permits and landing approvals, in the targeted destinations is progressing well. So far, the airline has successfully obtained landing slots at London Heathrow Airport, in the United Kingdom and Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates.
Dates for start of operations to each destination will be announced soon.
Before the new two A330neos arrival Uganda Airlines was limited to flying short-haul routes within Africa to places like Nairobi, Lusaka, and Dar es Salaam.
The A330neo airbus 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.
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 competes 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.
