By Frank Kamuntu
Kampala: Uganda has received the first of its two Airbus A330neo aircraft, the latest version of the most popular widebody airliner. It is the first Airbus aircraft delivered to Uganda Airlines, which was established in 2019.
READ ALSO: Uganda’s Newly Purchased & First-Ever Airbus To Land At Entebbe Airport On Tuesday
Congrats on taking delivery of your first #A330neo, @UG_Airlines!
An aircraft offering
💰unbeatable economics
🌍excellent range versatility
💺superior comfort
The ideal solution to operate as part of the post-COVID recovery.
Many happy landings with the A330neo, Uganda Airlines! pic.twitter.com/SfpwhmZcK7— Airbus (@Airbus) December 21, 2020
The A330neo aircraft touched down at Entebbe International Airport, 40 km south of the capital Kampala, on Tuesday as few invited guests due to COVID-19 guidelines cheered, bringing the total fleet to five as Uganda Airlines continues with revival efforts.
The second aircraft will be received next month, according to the Uganda Airlines.
President Yoweri Museveni congratulated Uganda Airlines for acquiring the new state-of-the-art aircraft that will facilitate economic growth and boost tourism in the East African country.
“The revived Uganda Airlines will support our economic growth by facilitating transport and tourism,” said Museveni, who led a reception on Tuesday.
Its Celebration time….
Airbus #A330neo receiving ceremony underway at Entebbe International Airport officiated by the President of Uganda His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Watch Live on Facebook – https://t.co/Q5Qlbpcd3q#ANewWorld pic.twitter.com/F4cih4q1m8
— Uganda Airlines (@UG_Airlines) December 22, 2020
“It will be a major boost if the 400 million U.S. dollars Ugandans spend annually on air travel comes to our own airline,” he said.
Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, minister of works and transport, said the aircraft will allow the Uganda Airlines to efficiently expand its network from its Entebbe hub to connect Uganda to intercontinental destinations in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
“Uganda Airlines will be making direct flights to Beijing, London, and Dubai soon,” said Katumba.
READ ALSO: Uganda Airlines Buys New CRJ 900 Bombardier Planes As Entebbe Airport Develops Huge Cracks
“The delivery heralds a new era in the operations of Uganda Airlines and marks its re-entry into the long-haul overseas market,” he said.
Cornwell Muleya, chief executive officer of the Uganda Airlines, said the receiving of the aircraft marks history in the operations of the Uganda Airlines.
The long awaited day is finally here and we cannot contain our joy and excitement.
To the entire people of Uganda, thank you for making this dream come true.
The big bird #Airbus is finally home #FlyUgandaAirlines #ANewWorld #A330neo pic.twitter.com/XaTpUtYe2y
— Uganda Airlines (@UG_Airlines) December 22, 2020
“We are excited about the delivery of the new A330neo which strengthens our fleet capacities and introduces the desired service standards for our long haul,” said Muleya.
Uganda Airlines collapsed in 2001 after it faced financial difficulties. It was liquidated after years of making losses.
Uganda began flight operations in August 2019 with four Bombardier CRJ900 for regional flights.
Airbus A330neo Aircraft’s Uniqueness
In line with the Company’s strategy to keep offering its customers unbeatable economics, increased operational efficiency and superior passenger comfort, the A330-800 is unique since its 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.
READ ALSO: Museveni Directs All Civil Servants, Ministers And Gov’t Officials To Fly Uganda Airlines
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.
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 features 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.
