By Our Reporter
Uganda Airlines has acquired two new Bombardier CRJ900s, growing their fleet to a total of 4 planes. The new planes were officially received on Monday afternoon and were welcomed with the customary water salute at Entebbe international airport in a ceremony that was attended by different government representatives, officials in the aviation industry as well as other dignitaries.
Addressing guests at the ceremony, Uganda Airlines CEO, Cornwel Muleya said, “With the addition of the new aircraft to the fleet, the carrier will expand its route network to cover several other destinations in Southern and Central Africa to include, Kinshasa in DRC, Zanzibar, Asmara in Eritrea, Hargeisa in Somaliland, Lusaka in Zambia, Harare in Zimbabwe, Johannesburg in South Africa, Djibouti and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.”
“Other international destinations will be added to the network on acquisition of two (2) Airbus A330-800neo wide-body aircraft, slated to join the Uganda Airlines fleet in the latter half of 2020.” He added.
The CRJ900 planes come with 76 passenger seats; 12 business class and 64 economy class.
Uganda Airlines received its first two aircraft, earlier this year, on April 23rd, but would later commence commercial operations on 28th August and currently operates direct flights from its hub in Entebbe to and from Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Juba, Bujumbura and Mogadishu.
The Board Chairman, Uganda Airlines, Hon. Ahabwe Godfrey Pereza in his speech said, “We are committed to seeing Uganda Airlines excel in its operations and in the provision of services which fall within the expected international standards.”
“Our growth and success as an airline facilitate the growth and success of our country, through the promotion of our tourism industry and building relationships between Uganda and other countries. We, as the board, commit our efforts to ensuring that our cranes stay in the sky,” he added.