Uganda Airlines has signed a landmark agreement with Boeing to acquire 10 new aircraft in a sweeping fleet expansion and modernization plan that signals a major strategic shift for the national carrier.
The agreement, signed at State House Entebbe and witnessed by President Yoweri Museveni, includes the acquisition of eight passenger aircraft and two freighters as part of a broader effort to reposition the airline for long-term growth, cargo expansion, and improved global connectivity.
According to details released by Uganda Airlines and government officials, the order includes four Boeing 787 Dreamliners, four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, one Boeing 767 converted freighter, and one Boeing 737 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF).
The deal is reportedly valued at approximately UGX 3.7 trillion, or nearly $1 billion, making it one of the largest aviation investments undertaken by Uganda since the revival of the national airline in 2019.
The signing marks a decisive pivot toward a Boeing-centered fleet strategy, aligning Uganda Airlines with a growing ecosystem already established across East Africa through airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and RwandAir.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Uganda Airlines said the acquisition would significantly expand its ability to serve regional, continental, and international markets while supporting Uganda’s broader economic ambitions.
“The additional aircraft will facilitate trade, tourism, investment, and cargo development, directly contributing to Uganda Vision 2040,” the airline said.
The airline also described the agreement as the beginning of a long-term partnership with Boeing that would extend beyond aircraft deliveries into technical support, training, and capacity building.
That ecosystem component is increasingly significant for African airlines.
Over recent years, operational disruptions, supply chain constraints, and maintenance challenges have exposed the importance of broader manufacturer support networks across the continent. Uganda Airlines itself has experienced major operational strain in recent months after both of its Airbus A330-800neos were temporarily grounded for engine-related inspections and maintenance issues, forcing the carrier to wet-lease Boeing aircraft from Ethiopian Airlines to stabilize operations.
The new fleet structure appears designed to address those vulnerabilities while creating greater fleet commonality and operational flexibility.
The inclusion of two dedicated cargo aircraft also highlights a growing strategic emphasis on freight operations, an area increasingly viewed by African airlines as essential for long-term sustainability. Cargo demand across Africa has surged in recent years, supported by e-commerce growth, pharmaceutical logistics, perishables exports, and expanding intra-African trade.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will become the backbone of Uganda Airlines’ future long-haul operations. The aircraft has become increasingly popular among African carriers due to its fuel efficiency and long-range economics, with major operators on the continent including Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Royal Air Maroc.
Meanwhile, the Boeing 737 MAX forms part of Boeing’s next-generation narrowbody family and remains central to fleet modernization strategies globally. Boeing currently holds a backlog of more than 4,800 unfilled 737 MAX orders worldwide.
The agreement also deepens Boeing’s growing engagement across Africa, where the manufacturer continues expanding partnerships in training, aerospace development, safety initiatives, and airline support programs. In recent years, Boeing has significantly increased investments in aviation education and technical cooperation across multiple African markets, including Uganda.
Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport Fred Byamukama described the acquisition as a strategic national investment aimed at improving the country’s connectivity and positioning Uganda as a regional aviation hub.
“The President guided that we have no other option. We need to build our own airline. That is how Uganda can be connected to the rest of the world,” Byamukama said according to state media reports.
The first phase of deliveries is expected to include four passenger aircraft before the remainder of the fleet is introduced progressively.
The move comes at a pivotal moment for Uganda Airlines as acting CEO Girma Wake oversees a broader operational and governance reset aimed at restoring reliability, strengthening financial controls, and reshaping the airline’s long-term strategy.
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