By Irene Gaitirira
Published January 5, 2021
The first of two new Airbus A330-800 neo for Uganda Airlines that was revived in 2019 has been delivered.
The plane landed at Entebbe International Airport on December 22, 2020 at 10:30 in the morning to a water salute.
“The revived Uganda Airlines will support our economic growth by facilitating transport and tourism,” President Yoweri Museveni had said prior to the arrival of the plane from Toulouse in France. “It will be a major boost if the US$400 million Ugandans spend annually on air travel comes to our own airline.”
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“I feel very proud. Not only are we getting an asset of this nature but that the guys behind the cockpit are Ugandans,” said Gen Edward Katumba-Wamala, Uganda’s Minister for Works and Transport under whose docket falls aviation matters. “When the airline was established, we noticed that we had very many Ugandans with a lot of qualifications scattered all over who were giving services to other people. Why not give these services to Ugandans?”
Cornwell Mulewa, the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines, said, “This is a historic day in the history of Uganda Airlines. We are excited about the delivery of the new A330neo which strengthens our fleet capabilities and introduces the desired services standards for long-haul operations.”
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According to Airbus, an A330-800 plane ‘provides an exclusive in-flight experience while burning 25% less fuel per seat compared to previous generation competitors’.
Airbus, in a statement issued on December 21, 2020, described the aircraft as ‘the latest version of the most popular wide body airliner’.
“The A330-800 is the latest addition to Airbus’ commercial aircraft product line. Thanks to its tailored, mid-sized capacity and its excellent range versatility, the A330neo is considered the ideal aircraft to operate as part of the post-COVID-19 recovery,” Airbus said of the A330neo that is expected to be used by the new airline on its long-range operations with non-stop intercontinental flights to the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
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“Featuring Airbus’ Airspace cabin, passengers can enjoy a unique experience and explore its full comfort with 20 full-flat, business-class beds, 28 premium-economy seats and 210 economy-class seats, totalling 258 seats,” Airbus says. “The A330neo is a true new-generation aircraft, building on the features of the popular A330 and using technology developed for the A350. Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and featuring a new wing with increased span and A350-inspired Sharklets, the A330neo provides an unprecedented level of efficiency. The aircraft burns 25% less fuel per seat than previous generation competitors. The A330neo cabin offers a unique passenger experience with more personal space and the latest generation in-flight entertainment system and connectivity.”
With the second Airbus A330-800 neo expected in January 2021, the revived Uganda Airlines shall have a fleet of 4 CRJ 900 and two Airbus A330-800 neo aircraft.
