On Wednesday, Canadian Jet manufacturer Bombardier Commercial Aircraft announced that it had signed a firm order for four CRJ900 regional jets with Uganda Airlines. This deal is part of an effort to revive a left for the dead national airlines. The four bombardiers will cost about UGX 700 billion.
Uganda Airlines ordered four CRJ900 regional jets.
“We congratulate the Government of Uganda for the revival of its national flag carrier. And are thrilled that the new airline has selected Bombardier and the CRJ900 regional jets for its upcoming debut.” said Jean-Paul Boutibou, Vice President, Sales, Middle-East and Africa, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft in a statement issued on Wednesday evening.
“Recognized for its superior economics and efficiency, the CRJ Series aircraft have enabled airlines worldwide to serve communities with better connectivity, and we look forward to supporting the development of Uganda’s regional air travel with these CRJ900 regional jets,” he added.
Uganda Airlines will operate the CRJ900 in dual-class configuration with 76 seats, including 12 first class seats.
The A330-800neos from Airbus.
Also, yesterday European company, Airbus in statement confirmed the signing of memorandum of understanding between itself and Uganda Airlines for the purchase of two A330-800neo aircraft. This takes the total tally of planes to six.
The two A330-800neo aircraft will each feature three class cabin layout consisting of 20 Business seats, 28 Premium Economy and 213 Economy seats.
“We are delighted to welcome Uganda Airlines among our A330neo customers. The
A330neo will bring a range of benefits offering unrivalled efficiencies combined with
the most modern cabin. We look forward to see the A330-800neo flying in the
colours of Uganda.” said Eric Schulz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer.
Congratulations to #UgandaAirlines on your order for 2 latest generation #A330neo. We hope your passengers will love it as much as we do! https://t.co/gifDg1bjW2 #FIA18 #WeMakeItFly pic.twitter.com/quoFw5m3Ql
— Airbus PRESS (@AirbusPRESS) July 18, 2018
The A330-800neos use Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. They are an exciting and forward-looking airline.
The Trent 7000 is the latest member of the successful Rolls-Royce Trent engine family and the exclusive power-plant for the A330neo.
Uganda Airlines intends to use the A330-800neos to build its international long-haul network. The aircraft offers cutting-edge technologies along with most efficient operations. The A330-800neo will feature a three-class cabin layout comprising 20 Business, 28 Premium Economy and 213 Economy seats.
The reactions about Uganda Airlines revival.
“This agreement demonstrates our ambition for economic growth supported by a robust aviation industry. The A330-800neo combines low operating costs, long-range flying capability and high levels of comfort. We are looking forward to launch operations and offer our customers best-in-class service,” Mr Bagenda is quoted as saying.
Social Media has been covered in a sea of mixed reactions about the revival of the Uganda Airlines. Below are some of the tweets. [Watch out for SPOILERS]
Ugandans are again going to pay heavily for an avoidable disaster! We privatised Uganda Airlines after billions of taxpayers had been sunk into it& lost. Lesson learned was that govt cld not run businesses. What has changed? Who decided this, on what evidence? https://t.co/exA6M3oxvR
— Winnie Byanyima (@Winnie_Byanyima) July 18, 2018
Ugandans are excited about the purchase of Uganda Airlines aircrafts, you have no idea what’s coming your way!
Many unanswered questions.— #CanaryReports (@CanaryMugume) July 19, 2018
Good development, but how many people will trust to fly in Uganda airlines given our level of corruption?
— Anselm Ssebuguzi (@ssebu7) July 19, 2018
Uganda once had a corruption scandal where helicopters were purchased then after them being delivered here they couldn't fly.
Don't get excited so fast for this Uganda airlines. pic.twitter.com/8wpx4oACQX
— GEÖFF-OBBO (@geoffobbo13) July 19, 2018
Uganda has ordered for the state of the art planes to revive Uganda airlines. Do you think we have the capacity to run a profitable airline and keep the planes ✈️ in the sky… ?
— 933 KFM (@933kfm) July 19, 2018
If you tell me the social media tax is going towards the new Uganda airlines acquisitions I might, just only a little bit, allow to pay it ungrudgingly!
— TheeEAfrican!?? (@iTs_Hobz) July 19, 2018
Planes are flying out and into Entebbe full every day and meaning that could be made is going foreign carriers so Uganda Airlines will have clients, problem will be on whether it can avoid abuse and theft of what it makes or is supposed to use not potential profitability.
— cmpagi (@c_mwanguhya) July 19, 2018
With the transport sector now joined by the Kampala-Entebbe expressway, the New Nile bridge, and soon, Uganda Airlines and @SGR_Uganda. #ThePearlofAfrica is now ready for take off! #FlytheCranetothePearlofAfrica
Bravo @MoWT_Uganda @UNRA_UG @MonicaAzubaNte @UNRA_ED pic.twitter.com/DDrYphqmyD— Wealth Creation Ug (@OWC_ug) July 19, 2018
The Uganda Airlines dream in motion.
Government had previously set December 2018 as the date for Uganda Airlines to resume operations. However, they have since pushed this to April 2019. The budget only catered for UGX 139 billion of the required UGX 1.3 trillion. Maybe you now have a good reason to pay the OTT Tax.
Uganda Airlines started operations in 1977 and didn’t live longer in the skies to see the World Trade Center fall to its knees after it was died off in May 2001. Uganda has already paid an upfront sum of USD 1.2 million (UGX 4.4bn) in commitment fees for the six air crafts.
