Interview: Reliability Improving Despite Fleet Challenges, Says Uganda Airlines CEO

What the report says

Uganda Airlines Acting Chief Executive Officer Girma Wake says the national carrier is seeing better reliability and stronger network performance even as aircraft engine problems continue to restrict capacity. In an interview with The Nile Post, he said about 60% of the fleet capacity has been affected by maintenance issues, forcing the airline to lease aircraft to keep services running. He added that the engine overhaul costs are already covered through an aircraft maintenance programme, while interim leasing support is being handled through the government budget process.

Wake said one of the airline’s main gains since he took over in February has been improved on-time performance and fewer cancellations. He also said schedules have been reorganised to improve connections between long-haul flights and regional services, which he described as important for both customer convenience and revenue growth. Some aircraft, including two Airbus A330s and one CRJ, have been grounded, though he expects the CRJ to return soon and one A330 later next year, which he said should ease financial pressure.

The interview also outlined Uganda Airlines’ route strategy and longer-term plans. Wake said new services to Accra and Kigali are meant to support regional feed into long-haul markets, including London, Dubai and Mumbai, and that profitability is expected to take several years. He said competition with other regional carriers can help expand demand, while the planned acquisition of Boeing aircraft in the 2030s is intended to support future growth rather than immediate expansion.