FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom — Uganda Airlines has placed its first-ever direct aircraft order with American aerospace manufacturer Boeing, committing to purchase eight new aircraft in a move aimed at expanding its fleet, increasing route capacity and strengthening Entebbe’s position as a regional aviation hub.
The order, announced Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, comprises four Boeing 737-8 aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The acquisition is expected to significantly enhance the national carrier’s operations across Africa while supporting long-haul services to the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake described the agreement as a major milestone in the airline’s development.
“This commitment with Boeing marks a defining step in Uganda Airlines’ growth journey and in our broader ambition to position Entebbe as a strategic aviation hub for the region,” Wake said.
“The aircraft will strengthen our ability to connect Uganda more efficiently to regional, continental and international markets, while supporting trade, tourism, investment and cargo development.”
According to Boeing, the Boeing 737-8 is designed to carry between 160 and 180 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a range of up to 6,480 kilometres, making it suitable for Uganda Airlines’ regional network as well as services to destinations in the Middle East and India.
The larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has a range of approximately 15,370 kilometres, enabling the airline to operate high-demand long-haul routes connecting Uganda with Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen welcomed Uganda Airlines as a new customer.
“We’re pleased to welcome Uganda Airlines as a Boeing customer and support the airline’s next phase of growth with the 737-8 and 787-9,” McMullen said.
“These airplanes offer efficiency, range and versatility to help Uganda Airlines strengthen and expand its network.”
The aircraft are expected to improve operational efficiency, with Boeing saying the new-generation jets consume between 20 and 25 percent less fuel than the aircraft they replace, helping lower operating costs and reduce emissions.
Wake said the partnership extends beyond the purchase of aircraft.
“Just as importantly, this partnership brings together Uganda Airlines and Boeing in a long-term relationship focused not only on fleet growth, but also on technical excellence, training and capacity building,” he said.
“We are proud to celebrate this milestone at Farnborough as we invest in the future of our national carrier and in Uganda’s economic transformation.”
Uganda Airlines resumed commercial operations in 2019 and currently operates scheduled passenger and cargo services from Entebbe to 17 destinations in 13 countries.
The latest order is expected to more than double the airline’s fleet over time and support plans to expand both regional connectivity and intercontinental services.
The announcement was among several aircraft orders unveiled during the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, where Boeing secured agreements with airlines and leasing companies as global carriers continue investing in fleet renewal and expansion.