The national carrier Uganda Airlines has announced that it’s spreading wings by opening three new exciting routes to three African destinations in Lusaka , Harare and Abuja, this summer ,September 2024. This will bring to 16 the number of routes being operated by Uganda Airlines .
Aviation experts have welcomed this move noting that Uganda Airlines is leading the interconnectivity agenda on the minerals rich African continent .
“By reducing the air travel lead -times, you are breaking down barriers and increasing trade among the African countries. We need to continue opening up the continent for fast movement of people and goods . Uganda Airlines should be saluted and supported for this pan African effort ,” Jude Musoke an aviation expert told this publication shortly after the announcement.
At a media event in Uganda’s Capital Kampala ,Uganda Airlines CEO , Jenifer Bamuturaki ,was thrilled to announce that the triple launch of three routes will commence with the airline’s service to Abuja on 12 September 2024.
This new route will be followed with another flag off to Lusaka and Harare on 25 September 2024, adding the three (3) routes to already exiting destinations to Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salam, Bujumbura, Johannesburg, Dubai, Zanzibar, Lagos, Kinshasa, Mumbai, Mogadishu, Juba, and Kilimanjaro.
This milestone comes at a time when Uganda Airlines is celebrating five years since starting operations in August 2019.
Bamuturaki explained that the airlines entry into these new markets is intended to build an efficient and optimized regional market which will feed and finance a more profitable long-haul market; grow the aircraft fleet utilization and create a robust regional network that will serve as a feeder for the company’s long-haul markets with London expected to come on board soon .
“Launching these routes marks the successful conclusion of our three-year strategic plan, paving the way for the next phase of our 10-year rolling plan. This strategic approach ensures that our expansion is not just a leap of faith but a well-thought-out progression,” Bamuturaki stated .
The Top honchos leading Uganda Airlines to greater heights , CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki, Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi and Head Corporate Affairs and Public Relations , Shakila Rahim Lamarengaging the media in Kampala
She emphasized that Uganda Airlines aggressive expansion strategy is inspired to bridge the geographical gaps and connect the east to the west, north and south of Africa.
“The airline has stayed true to its rival connectivity objectives, and this is demonstrated by the recent increase in the frequency of our flights—we now operate 19 flights a day contributing to 20% traffic at Entebbe Airport—leading to enhanced revenue growth, cargo operations acceleration, and service scale,” she said adding that the national carrier is committed to provide safe, reliable, and comfortable travel experiences for its growing clientele.
Uganda Airlines has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a 20% increase in traffic at Entebbe Airport and enhanced revenue growth. The airline operates 19 flights daily and has accelerated its cargo operations too.
Uganda Airlines ,Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi ,reiterated that the new routes will contribute to intra-African travel.
“The creation of an air bridge to West Africa and Southern Africa will bring convenience to travelers across the continent with direct flights and seamless connectivity and enable multiple opportunities in business, trade, tourism, and socio-cultural linkages,” Olawuyi explained .
Editor’s note:Uganda Airlines is now open for bookings, and travelers can book through their travel agents, the airline’s ticketing offices, or online via the Uganda Airlines app and website.
