Aviation News – Uganda Airlines has signed a milestone agreement with Boeing to acquire ten new aircraft, significantly expanding its operational capabilities. The high-profile deal, finalized in the presence of Uganda’s president and cabinet ministers, positions the national carrier to drastically increase both passenger and cargo routes across the region and beyond.
The comprehensive agreement, signed on 10 June 2026, represents a strategic partnership between the Ugandan government and the American aerospace giant. The order breaks down into a mixed fleet layout, consisting of four B737MAX passenger jets, four B787-9 Dreamliners, one B737-800BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter), and one B767-300F dedicated cargo aircraft. While the official transaction is locked in, the parties have not yet publicly communicated a specific delivery timeline.
This expansion marks a dramatic capacity increase for Uganda Airlines, which currently operates a modest fleet composed of four Bombardier CRJ900s, two Airbus A330-800s, and a single B737-800 wet-leased from Ethiopian Airlines. By introducing factory-direct Boeing airframes into its network, the carrier is systematically shifting away from short-term lease dependencies. The diversification into dedicated freighters also establishes the airline as a serious contender in the growing African logistics sector.
Operationally, the newly selected aircraft utilize advanced aerodynamics and highly efficient engine technologies to substantially lower fuel consumption and reduce carbon emissions per seat. The structural mix of narrow-body B737MAX jets and wide-body B787-9s allows the airline to seamlessly optimize route matching, using smaller planes to build frequency on regional African routes while deploying the Dreamliners on high-demand, long-haul international corridors. Additionally, the inclusion of the B737-800BCF and B767-300F freighters creates a robust, dual-category cargo network capable of moving express regional freight alongside heavy transatlantic payloads.