First Uganda Airlines Bombardier jetliners finally here!
The first two Uganda Airlines Bombadier CRJ900 jets have landed at Entebbe International Airport.
The two aircrafts landed at 9am
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The function to receive the two aircrafts is being presided over by President Museveni and other senior government officials in the works ministry and Civil Aviation Authority.
The two aircrafts are half of the four that will form the foundation of the revived Uganda Airlines which is expected to officially take to the skies by June.
On March 29, Parliament cleared government to buy two Bombardier planes at Shs280 billion and the money was meant for the final stages of restoring the national carrier.
Uganda a few years ago kick started the process that would see the revival of the national carrier that has been down for close to 20 years after its collapse.
The revival of the Uganda Airlines was kick started with a feasibility study by the National Planning Authority which reviewed the successes and failures of airlines globally with a bias on Africa and putting in consideration the failure of the previous national carrier.
The report claimed that government loses $540m annually to passengers coming and leaving Entebbe airport using other carriers and thus recommended that with the revival of the airline, Uganda would generate revenue of the same figure in a 15-year period off operational and investment costs.
The National Planning report also recommended the CRJ 900 and Airbus A300-200 series as the most appropriate aircraft types for regional and international operations.
The report dissuaded government from leasing aircrafts stating it was better to buy in order to maximise financial economic benefits.
Uganda Airlines early this month consolidated its order for two A330neo planes.
“Uganda Airlines, the national carrier of Uganda has firmed up its order for two A330- 800 airliners, the latest version of the most popular A330 wide body airliner,” Airbus Company said in a statement.
The Uganda National Airlines Chief Executive, Ephraim Bagenda confirmed the country was on the right course to revive the national carrier.
“We are thrilled to commence our operations with the world’s leading regional jet, and we look forward to providing the most modern passenger experience in regional aviation to the people of Uganda and across Africa,"Bagenda said.
