Ugandan govt in advanced talks with Bombardier, Airbus for Uganda Airlines
Ugandan government has set August as the month when Uganda Airlines will fly again after over 16 years of being rendered inoperable.
Jan 4, 2016: Ugandan government has set August as the month when Uganda Airlines will fly again after over 16 years of being rendered inoperable.
According to media reports, the government is in advanced negotiations with aircraft manufacturers Bombardier and Airbus for lease of planes to make the initial fleet.
"Reviving the national carrier is a process, so we must move carefully and follow every step properly, but I can assure you, a decision was made and our plans are now in advanced stages. Uganda Airlines will be flying again next year," Works and Transport State Minister AggreyBagiire said.
Media reports suggest that the government will initially lease at least six aircraft, four for short-haul regional flights and two for long-haul.
Regional carriers, particularly Kenya Airways which has for the past 15 years operated Entebbe like a domestic hub, are likely to suffer loss of revenue as Uganda seeks to claw back regional routes to kick-start an ambitious global outreach.
Others likely to be affected are RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airlines.
