Uganda Airlines has placed its first direct aircraft order with Boeing, committing to acquire eight passenger jets as the national carrier moves to expand its regional and long-haul network.
The order, announced by Uganda Airlines and Boeing at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, comprises four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The new aircraft are expected to increase passenger capacity, support the opening of additional routes and strengthen Uganda’s ambition of developing Entebbe International Airport into a regional aviation hub.
First Direct Purchase from Boeing
The agreement marks Uganda Airlines’ first direct purchase of Boeing aircraft since the revived national carrier began commercial operations in 2019.
Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake described the order as an important stage in the airline’s development and Uganda’s wider aviation ambitions.
“This commitment with Boeing marks a defining step in Uganda Airlines’ growth journey,” Wake said.
He said the aircraft would strengthen connections between Uganda and regional, continental and international markets while supporting tourism, trade, investment and cargo development.
Wake added that the partnership would extend beyond the acquisition of aircraft to include technical support, training and capacity-building for Uganda’s aviation sector.
737-8 MAX to Strengthen Regional Network
The four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft are expected to support Uganda Airlines’ regional and medium-haul operations within Africa and to destinations in the Middle East and India.
According to Boeing, the aircraft can carry approximately 160 to 180 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles, equivalent to about 6,480 kilometres.
The aircraft’s range would allow Uganda Airlines to operate from Entebbe to a wider selection of destinations without relying on its larger long-haul aircraft for routes with lower passenger demand.
Additional narrow-body capacity could also allow the airline to increase flight frequencies on existing routes and improve connections for passengers travelling through Entebbe.
Dreamliners Target Europe, Asia and Middle East
The four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will support the airline’s planned expansion into additional long-haul markets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The 787-9 has a range of up to 8,300 nautical miles, or approximately 15,370 kilometres, allowing it to operate long-distance routes directly from Entebbe.
Uganda Airlines currently operates two Airbus A330-800neo aircraft on long-haul services, including routes connecting Uganda to London, Dubai and Mumbai.
The addition of the Dreamliners would give the airline greater flexibility as it considers new destinations, increases frequencies and responds to growing passenger demand.
Boeing said the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner models use between 20 and 25 per cent less fuel than the aircraft types they are designed to replace, potentially reducing operating costs and emissions per passenger.
Eight Passenger Jets Form Part of Wider Fleet Plan
The eight passenger aircraft announced at Farnborough form part of a wider acquisition programme previously outlined by the Government of Uganda and the airline.
In June, President Yoweri Museveni witnessed the signing of a framework agreement between Uganda Airlines and Boeing covering 10 aircraft.
That broader programme included the eight newly built passenger aircraft and two converted cargo planes: one Boeing 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter and one Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter.
The latest Boeing announcement formally confirmed the order for the four 737-8 aircraft and four 787-9 Dreamliners but did not include the two converted freighters in the eight-aircraft passenger order.
This distinction explains why earlier reports referred to an acquisition programme involving 10 aircraft, while Tuesday’s Boeing announcement focused on eight passenger jets.
The June framework agreement was reported to be valued at approximately Shs3.7 trillion, although Boeing did not disclose the value or delivery schedule of the eight-aircraft order in its latest announcement.
Training and Technical Support Included
The wider partnership is also expected to include pilot type-rating training, engineering and technical support, and the development of aircraft maintenance capacity in Uganda.
Uganda Airlines and Boeing are also expected to cooperate with Soroti Flying School as part of efforts to strengthen local aviation training and develop the skilled personnel required to support a larger and more diverse national fleet.
The introduction of Boeing aircraft will require investment in pilots, cabin crew, engineers, maintenance systems, spare parts and operational procedures specific to the new aircraft types.
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s Senior Vice President for Commercial Sales and Marketing, said the 737-8 and 787-9 would provide the efficiency, range and flexibility needed to support Uganda Airlines’ next phase of growth.
National Carrier Currently Serves 17 Destinations
Uganda Airlines currently operates four Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets and two Airbus A330-800neo wide-body aircraft.
Boeing said the airline serves 17 destinations in 13 countries from its hub at Entebbe International Airport.
The fleet expansion is intended to allow the carrier to reach more destinations while strengthening Entebbe’s role as a connecting point for passengers travelling within Africa and between the continent and international markets.
However, the commercial success of the expansion will depend on route demand, aircraft utilisation, operating efficiency, financing, maintenance capacity and the airline’s ability to compete with established African and international carriers.
The acquisition represents one of the largest fleet investments undertaken by Uganda Airlines since the national carrier was revived and began operating scheduled passenger services in August 2019.
Its long-term significance will be measured not only by the number of aircraft acquired but also by whether the investment improves connectivity, strengthens trade and tourism, and enables the airline to operate sustainably.
