Uganda Airlines and Airbus move forward on Airbus A330neo purchase

Europe’s Airbus said today that Uganda Airlines has “firmed up” its order for two A330-800 aircraft, becoming the second client to order for the slow selling jets after Kuwait Airways.

Last July, Uganda Airlines and Airbus signed a memorandum of understanding for the provision of two A330neo aircraft, each of which costs about $259.9m.

The A330neo is a smaller, fuel efficient, and revamped version of the Airbus’s A330 series. The plane successfully completed test flights last October.

“Uganda Airlines plans to use the A330-800 to build its medium- and long-haul network with the aircraft offering cutting-edge technology along with more efficient operations,” the France-based Airbus said.

There has been little enthusiasm worldwide for the new Airbus aircraft, which has led to internal criticism of Uganda Airline’s interest in ordering one.

Monica Azuba, the works and transport minister, said last August that the aircraft were appraised “to be the best entry level wide body aircraft” in the Airbus’s A330 series for the revived national carrier.

Related

Uganda Airlines to launch in 2019 with flights to 19 destinations
Uganda orders four planes to kick start flag carrier