Uganda Airlines Nears Deal with Boeing for Fleet Expansion

According to reports from Kampala, the Ugandan government is nearing a significant agreement with Boeing to acquire four aircraft for Uganda Airlines. This development signals a potential strategic shift from Airbus, sparking industry speculation.

While no official statement has been released, insider sources claim President Yoweri Museveni approved the acquisition during a meeting on April 22. The proposed fleet expansion includes two freight aircraft—one B737-800(F) and one B777—and two B787 passenger planes. The specifics regarding the aircraft selection remain undisclosed.

Despite attempts to gain comments, neither the President’s office, Uganda Airlines, nor Boeing have responded to inquiries. The news was first reported by Kampala’s 256 Business News and later by aviation industry tracker ch-aviation.

On the day of the alleged agreement, President Museveni noted on social media a visit from a Boeing delegation, headed by Kujit Ghata-Aura, the company’s president for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, at the State House in Entebbe. He mentioned plans to expand both the cargo and passenger fleet of Uganda Airlines and discussed initiating light maintenance operations within Uganda, possibly extending to collaborative efforts with neighboring Ethiopia as the fleet grows.

Meanwhile, Airbus has reportedly pitched an alternative solution for Uganda Airlines, suggesting fleet enhancements that would complement the carrier’s existing Airbus aircraft to optimize fleet commonality and operational efficiency.

Currently, Uganda Airlines operates a mixed fleet that includes two Airbus A330-800N widebodies and a wet-leased A320-200 from Global Aviation Operations, alongside three CRJ900LR regional jets. The addition of four Boeing aircraft would diversify the fleet further, potentially increasing operational and maintenance complexity due to the varied aircraft types.

This move comes at a time when Boeing faces challenges, including a slowdown in B737 production and delays in B787 deliveries due to quality issues, along with no B777 deliveries reported in the first quarter of 2024. The potential deal with Uganda could provide a crucial boost for Boeing amidst these production struggles.