Uganda Airlines brings Airbus A330-800neo back into service

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Uganda Airlines has returned one of its long-haul Airbus A330-800neo aircraft to regular operations, the carrier said in an update posted on X on Monday.

The plane, registered as 5X-NIL, completed its first commercial flight since returning to service with a trip to Dubai on April 17. The airline called the move a step toward building more capacity on its international routes.

In the post, Uganda Airlines said that it was pleased to announce the aircraft's return to service and thanked customers, partners and other stakeholders for their patience while the plane was unavailable.

“We remain committed to delivering safe, reliable and efficient operations,” the statement said.  

The A330-800neo forms a core part of the carrier’s wide-body fleet, which it uses for longer routes, including the daily service to Dubai. Uganda Airlines operates the aircraft alongside a smaller fleet of regional jets and has leaned on wet-leased planes in the past to cover gaps when its own jets are out for maintenance.

The return of 5X-NIL gives the airline a bit more breathing room as it keeps pushing to grow passenger numbers and stabilise schedules after several years of rebuilding its network since the 2019 relaunch. The carrier has faced the usual challenges that come with running a young flag carrier in East Africa, from fleet reliability to competition on key routes.

Currently, Uganda Airlines has a fleet of six aircraft, including two Airbus A330-800neo and four CRJ900 Bombardiers. Plans are underway to acquire at least two mid-range aircraft and 2 cargo aircraft to facilitate exports in the medium term, according to data from ministry of finance.

The airline plans to expand flights to China, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, and Cape Town, South Africa. Uganda Airlines is currently the biggest operator out of Entebbe, with an average of about 77 weekly departures, accounting for just under 30% of scheduled travel.