Uganda Airlines is set to launch its inaugural flights to Lusaka, Zambia, and Harare, Zimbabwe today, expanding its reach within the African continent. This development follows approval from the respective governments earlier this year and adds two new destinations to the airline’s network, increasing the total to 16 cities across 10 countries.
The new routes will operate four times a week—on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday—using a CRJ900 aircraft, which is configured with business class (2×1 seating) and economy class (2×2 seating) to enhance passenger comfort.
Jennifer Bamuturaki, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that these routes are part of the company’s strategic expansion. “This is phase two of our expansion program, aiming to build an efficient regional market to support long-haul operations.”
This launch comes shortly after Uganda Airlines introduced flights to Abuja, Nigeria, on September 12. With two weekly flights to Abuja on Thursdays and Saturdays, the airline is steadily building its regional presence. According to Adedayo Olawuyi, Chief Commercial Officer, the new routes are projected to boost the airline’s revenue by at least 10%.
Looking ahead, Uganda Airlines has secured landing rights at London’s Gatwick Airport and plans to begin flights in Q4 2024. Additional routes, including those to Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Cape Town via Harare, and Abu Dhabi, are also in the pipeline.
With a current fleet of six jets, Uganda Airlines plans to acquire 10 more aircraft over the next decade, bringing its total fleet to 16.
