Jenifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines, stood proudly at Entebbe International Airport on Sunday morning, as she flagged off the airline’s historic maiden flight to London, United Kingdom.
The inaugural flight, a significant milestone for Uganda’s national carrier, marks the realization of long-held ambitions to connect Uganda directly with one of the world’s major global hubs.
“This is a proud moment for Uganda Airlines and our nation,” Bamuturaki said, addressing dignitaries, airline staff, and media moments before the Airbus A330neo, adorned with the iconic crane logo, took to the skies.
“This flight symbolizes our commitment to excellence, global connectivity, and showcasing Uganda to the world.”
The flight, will depart Entebbe at approximately 9:25 AM local time, celebrated with a ceremonial water salute and enthusiastic cheers.
The journey to London Gatwick, a key addition to Uganda Airlines’ growing network, is expected to take around eight hours, offering passengers a direct link to the UK for the first time since the airline’s revival in 2019.
The launch follows years of strategic planning and investment in the airline’s fleet and operations.
Uganda Airlines, reestablished in 2019 after its predecessor ceased operations in 2001, has steadily expanded its regional routes, including Nairobi, Dubai, and Johannesburg.
London becomes Uganda Airlines’ 17th destination and its third outside Africa, following Dubai and Mumbai. These add to the African network of 14 cities, including Nairobi, Johannesburg, Kinshasa, Lagos, and Accra.
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The addition of two Airbus A330neo aircraft enabled the airline to pursue long-haul destinations, with London being a top priority due to its economic and cultural significance for Ugandan travelers.
“London is a game-changer for us,” Bamuturaki, encouraging travelers to book tickets and “fly with us.”
The route is anticipated to boost trade, tourism, and diaspora connections, with the UK being a popular destination for Ugandans seeking business opportunities, education, and family reunions.
The airline’s entry into the competitive European market has not been without challenges. Delays in securing Air Operating Certificates and navigating international aviation regulations postponed earlier plans for the route.
Additionally, Uganda’s placement on the UK’s Covid-19 red list in 2021 had previously complicated launch timelines.
However, with these hurdles cleared, the airline is poised to capitalize on the route’s potential, offering competitive fares and a promise of “world-class service,” as Bamuturaki emphasized.
Passengers on the inaugural flight expressed excitement about the milestone. “It’s a proud day to fly our national carrier to London,” said Sarah Mukasa, a Kampala-based entrepreneur traveling for a business conference. “This direct flight makes everything so much easier.”
The launch aligns with Uganda’s broader ambitions to strengthen its aviation sector and promote regional integration.
As highlighted in a 2019 UBC post about the airline’s regional maiden flight to Nairobi, the government views Uganda Airlines as a tool for economic growth and geopolitical influence in East Africa.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has championed the airline’s revival, was quoted at the time saying it would end the “inconvenience” and high costs Ugandans faced without a national carrier.
With Gatwick now added on its routes, Uganda Airlines announced plans to operate the route four times weekly, with potential for increased frequency based on demand.
The airline is also eyeing other long-haul destinations, such as Mumbai and Guangzhou, to further expand its global footprint.