Uganda has unveiled two new Bombardier CRJ 900 aircrafts as it continues to revive the national carrier.
The two planes landed in Entebbe on Monday, increasing the number of new CRJ 900 aircrafts to four. The carrier purchased all four planes from Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier.
Uganda Airlines hopes the additions will help it expand its route network to cover more destinations across East and Central Africa.
The new planes were inspected upon arrival by state minister for Works, Gen Katumba Wamala and other government and aviation officials.
Uganda Airlines hopes to compete with established companies in the region’s aviation sector, and is banking on the country’s emerging oil industry and the traditional tourism sector to generate international traffic to sustain the airline.
The airline was founded in 1976 by former president idi Amin, but was liquidated in 2001 during a push to privatize state firms.
It was then renationalized in July, in what analysts said was a last-ditch effort to save it.
While launching the first two CRJ 900 aircrafts in August, Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda said the carrier’s revival would “reduce the cost of air transport and ease connectivity to and from Uganda.”
Uganda Airlines’ two Bombardier planes have finally arrived at Entebbe International Airport #FlyUgandaAirlines pic.twitter.com/l5lT9zfGUR
— Government of Uganda (@GovUganda) October 7, 2019
