Uganda Airlines Boosts Johannesburg Service with A320 Wet-Lease Amid Fleet Expansion Plans

Uganda Airlines, the flag carrier of Uganda based in Entebbe, is set to enhance its service offerings by wet-leasing an Airbus A320 this month, aimed specifically at augmenting its operations to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo in South Africa. This strategic move, as outlined by CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki in a discussion with the national broadcaster UBC, addresses the medium-haul capacity shortfall within the airline’s current fleet composition.

The decision to wet-lease an A320 comes as an interim measure to bridge the gap caused by long lead times associated with the acquisition of new narrowbody aircraft. Bamuturaki highlighted the challenges in fleet expansion, noting, “We haven’t made an order [to buy] yet; the nearest we can get is 2029, 2030,” underscoring the proactive approach Uganda Airlines is taking to meet immediate operational demands.

Currently, Uganda Airlines operates a fleet that includes four CRJ900LRs and two A330-800N widebodies, finding the regional jets limiting in terms of capacity on certain routes. The A320 lease aims to alleviate these constraints, particularly on routes like Johannesburg, which experience payload restrictions due to hot-and-high operating conditions. By transitioning from the 90-seater CRJ900 to the 180-seater A320, the airline anticipates doubling its capacity on these critical routes, thereby enhancing service levels and customer satisfaction.

Although the CEO did not specify the provider of the wet-leased A320, a spokeswoman for the airline later confirmed the acquisition of an A320 aircraft for delivery within the month, without disclosing the lessor’s identity.

In addition to expanding its fleet, Uganda Airlines is focusing on broadening its route network, having secured foreign operator permits for destinations including Jeddah International and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia; Lusaka, Zambia; and Harare International, Zimbabwe. The airline is also in the process of obtaining a permit for Guangzhou, China, further evidencing its commitment to growth and the development of Entebbe as a strategic hub for regional and international connectivity.

Bamuturaki shared the airline’s vision for leveraging Uganda’s rich tourism potential, aiming to establish Entebbe as a central hub that facilitates travel into Uganda and across the continent. With ambitions to achieve profitability by 2027, Uganda Airlines is undertaking a comprehensive strategy that includes optimizing operational efficiencies and exploring new revenue streams through cargo and tourism.

This latest fleet enhancement and route expansion initiative signal Uganda Airlines’ determined efforts to strengthen its market position, improve operational capabilities, and offer an enriched travel experience to its passengers, amidst a landscape of ongoing growth and development in African aviation.