Uganda Airlines has placed its first-ever direct aircraft order with Boeing, purchasing eight new jets as the national carrier moves to expand its international network and position Entebbe as a major regional aviation hub.

The landmark order, announced on Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, comprises four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

The acquisition represents one of the most significant fleet-development decisions undertaken by Uganda Airlines since the carrier resumed commercial operations in 2019.

Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake said the order would strengthen the airline’s ability to serve regional, continental and long-haul international markets while supporting Uganda’s wider economic-development ambitions.

“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 added that the aircraft would improve connections between Uganda and major markets while stimulating trade, tourism, investment and air-cargo development.

The four Boeing 737-8 aircraft will primarily support Uganda Airlines’ regional and medium-haul expansion across Africa, the Middle East and India.

The aircraft can carry between 160 and 180 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles, equivalent to approximately 6,480 kilometres.

The larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will be deployed on high-demand long-haul routes linking Uganda to destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

With a range of up to 8,300 nautical miles, or about 15,370 kilometres, the Dreamliners will give Uganda Airlines greater flexibility to launch new intercontinental services and increase capacity on existing routes.

Boeing Senior Vice President for Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen welcomed Uganda Airlines as a new customer, saying the aircraft would provide the efficiency and versatility needed to support the carrier’s expansion plans.

“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.”

According to Boeing, the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft will reduce fuel consumption by between 20 and 25 per cent compared with the aircraft models they are designed to replace.

The improved fuel efficiency is expected to help Uganda Airlines lower operating costs, increase route profitability and expand services without a proportionate rise in fuel expenditure.

Wake said the partnership would extend beyond the purchase of aircraft to include technical cooperation, professional training and aviation-capacity development.

“Just as importantly, this partnership brings together Uganda Airlines and Boeing in a long-term relationship focused not only on fleet growth, but also on technical excellence, training and capacity building,” he said.

“We are proud to celebrate this milestone at Farnborough as we invest in the future of our national carrier and in Uganda’s economic transformation.”

The order is expected to support Uganda’s efforts to strengthen Entebbe International Airport as a regional aviation gateway capable of connecting East and Central Africa to major global markets.

The additional aircraft could also help the airline increase flight frequencies, open new destinations and improve Uganda’s competitiveness in the regional passenger and cargo-transport market.

Uganda Airlines currently operates flights to 17 destinations in 13 countries from its hub at Entebbe International Airport.

The national carrier provides scheduled passenger and cargo services across East Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.