Uganda Airlines a huge boost to our connectivity — Gatwick Airport

Gatwick International Airport said it is projecting a huge enhancement to its expanding network of flights to Africa with the introduction of a new direct service by Uganda Airlines over the weekend.

Jonathan Pollard, Gatwick's chief commercial officer said that the airport had been particularly looking forward to this specific route. He said that the African market has been a key part of Gatwick's strategy for recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as a ‘real springboard’.

According to Pollard, the addition of the Uganda Airlines flight brings Gatwick's total number of routes to the continent to 16, including nine long-haul services.

“This is now our 16th route that we have to Africa. We have got nine long-haul and a short number of short-haul routes as well, but the African market has been phenomenally successful for us,” he said.

Jonathan Pollard, Gatwick's chief commercial officer (second left) and other key representatives at Gatwick International Airport. Courtesy photo)

“The UK and Uganda market was worth over £600 million last year alone. £500 million pounds of that was outbound from the UK, but I think undoubtedly with more direct connectivity, you will see this market no doubt prosper further.”

Gatwick anticipates operating over 55% more capacity to Africa this year compared to its pre-pandemic levels. Gatwick said the direct connection is expected to provide a valuable boost to trade and investment between the UK and Uganda.

Uganda Airlines service to Gatwick will run four times a week; on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays using an Airbus A330-800neo. The nine-hour nonstop flight offers 20 business class seats, 28 in premium economy, and 210 in economy.

Lisa Chesney, British High Commissioner to Uganda, said: “It's a privilege to be a passenger on the first flight. We are excited about the opportunities, and there is no better time of launching such a flight.”