Uganda Airlines is set to start payments for two new mid-range aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, which will expand its fleet in the next financial year.
These aircraft will complement the existing fleet of Airbus and Bombardier models, serving busy routes such as Entebbe-Mumbai, Entebbe-Lagos, and Entebbe-Nairobi-Mumbai, as well as other routes including Entebbe-Johannesburg, Entebbe-Lusaka, Entebbe-Harare, and Entebbe-Dubai.
Speaking at the launch of Uganda’s participation in the upcoming Open (Outbound) Travel Market Bombay Tourism Expo, scheduled from January 30 to February 1 in Mumbai, Ms. Rahim Shakila, Uganda Airlines’ head of corporate affairs, confirmed that the new aircraft, with a capacity of 150 to 160 passengers, will be delivered over the next five years.
She emphasised that these planes will play a significant role in supporting Uganda’s growing tourism sector.
John Mulimba, Minister of State for Regional Affairs, explained that Uganda’s participation in the Indo-Asia travel market show is crucial for tapping into one of the world’s largest travel and trade markets. This initiative aims to place Uganda’s tourism front and center, helping the country achieve its goals of promoting itself as a major tourism hub.
State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, highlighted that East Africa, with Kenya leading the charge, remains Uganda’s largest tourism market. Kenya contributes around 500,000 visitors annually. Additionally, India has emerged as a strong market, surpassing the US and UK, with approximately 31,000 Indian tourists visiting Uganda in the year ending June 2024.
Tourism arrivals continue to be a key driver for Uganda’s aviation sector, which saw a notable growth of 26% in passenger numbers, reaching 704,012 in the first half of 2024.
Credit: Daily Monitor