Uganda Airlines has agreed to acquire 10 Boeing aircraft in a Shs3.7 trillion ($985 million) deal, a major expansion that could more than double the state-owned carrier’s fleet and strengthen its position in East Africa’s aviation market.
The agreement, signed in the presence of President Yoweri Museveni on June 10, covers eight passenger aircraft, each capable of carrying 294 travellers, and two converted freighters.
The cargo aircraft will comprise a Boeing 767 wide-body converted freighter and a Boeing 737 Boeing Converted Freighter, according to Ugandan officials.
According to local reports, Uganda Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake signed on behalf of the carrier, while Boeing Executive Vice President and Head of Sales for Africa Anbessie Yitbarek represented the US manufacturer.
The airline will make an initial payment of more than Shs460 billion ($122 million) to begin implementing the agreement.
