Uganda Airlines Places First Boeing Order for 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner Jets

What the report says

PRNewswire, carrying a Boeing announcement, reported that Uganda Airlines has placed its first direct Boeing aircraft order, covering eight jets: four 737-8 aircraft and four 787-9 Dreamliners. The announcement was made in Farnborough, United Kingdom, on July 21, 2026, and Boeing said the deal is intended to help Uganda’s national carrier renew and expand its fleet as demand grows across East Africa and beyond.

According to the announcement, Uganda Airlines plans to use the 737-8 on regional African services and routes to the Middle East and India. Boeing said the model can carry about 160 to 180 passengers in a two-class layout and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles. The 787-9, with a stated range of up to 8,300 nautical miles, is expected to support longer-haul services to markets including the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Uganda Airlines CEO Ato Girma Wake described the order as part of the carrier’s effort to expand Entebbe’s role as a regional aviation hub and improve links for travel, trade, tourism, investment and cargo. Boeing commercial sales and marketing executive Brad McMullen said the aircraft would support the airline’s next phase of network growth. Boeing also said the 737 MAX and 787 families can cut fuel use by 20% to 25% compared with the aircraft they replace.

The release said Uganda Airlines currently serves 17 destinations in 13 countries from Entebbe. The carrier began operations in 2019 and operates passenger and cargo services across East Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.