Uganda Airlines has signalled an ambitious new phase of growth after opting for the larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in its first-ever direct aircraft order from the American manufacturer, a move expected to boost passenger and cargo capacity as the national carrier expands its long-haul network.
The announcement, made on Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow, also confirmed an order for four Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s fleet modernisation strategy and its ambition to position Entebbe International Airport as a regional aviation hub.
Unlike many African airlines that have favoured the smaller Boeing 787-8, Uganda Airlines has chosen the higher-capacity 787-9, a decision aviation analysts say reflects confidence in growing demand on international routes and a long-term strategy focused on scaling operations rather than simply expanding destinations.
The Boeing 787-9 offers greater seating and cargo capacity while retaining the Dreamliner’s long-range capabilities, making it suitable for high-demand routes to Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The aircraft will complement Uganda Airlines’ existing fleet of Airbus A330-800neo aircraft, allowing the airline to deploy larger aircraft on busier routes while maintaining operational flexibility on developing markets.
Uganda Airlines currently operates long-haul services to London, Dubai and Mumbai, in addition to an expanding network across Africa. The additional aircraft are expected to support the launch of new international destinations while increasing capacity on existing routes.
The order also includes four Boeing 737-8 aircraft, which will serve regional African destinations as well as medium-haul routes to the Middle East and India. According to Boeing, the aircraft can carry between 160 and 180 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a range of up to 6,480 kilometres, making it well suited for the airline’s regional operations.
Boeing says the combined fleet of 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft will reduce fuel consumption by between 20 and 25 percent compared to older-generation aircraft, lowering operating costs while improving environmental performance.
Uganda Airlines Interim Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake described the purchase as a defining moment in the airline’s development.
“This commitment with Boeing marks a defining step in Uganda Airlines’ growth journey and in our broader ambition to position Entebbe as a strategic aviation hub for the region,” Wake said.
He noted that the acquisition will strengthen Uganda’s connectivity to regional, continental and international markets while supporting tourism, trade, investment and air cargo development.
Wake said the partnership with Boeing extends beyond aircraft acquisition to include technical cooperation, training and capacity building aimed at strengthening the airline’s long-term operational capabilities.
Boeing Senior Vice President for Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen welcomed Uganda Airlines as a new Boeing customer, saying the aircraft would provide the efficiency, range and versatility required for the carrier’s next stage of expansion.
“We’re pleased to welcome Uganda Airlines as a Boeing customer and support the airline’s next phase of growth with the 737-8 and 787-9,” McMullen said. “These airplanes offer efficiency, range and versatility to help Uganda Airlines strengthen and expand its network.”
The order comes as Uganda Airlines accelerates plans to grow beyond its current network of 17 destinations across 13 countries. By selecting the larger 787-9 over the more commonly used 787-8, the airline is positioning itself to carry more passengers and cargo on its busiest international routes, signalling confidence in future demand and Uganda’s growing role in global aviation.
The acquisition also represents one of the most significant investments in the national carrier since its revival in 2019 and underscores the government’s commitment to building Uganda Airlines into a competitive player connecting East Africa with key global markets.
