Uganda confirms order for 8 planes from Boeing

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing a PRNewswire dispatch from Farnborough, United Kingdom, reported on July 21, 2026, that Boeing and Uganda Airlines have confirmed an order for eight aircraft. The purchase covers four Boeing 737-8 jets and four 787-9 Dreamliners, in what the report described as the Ugandan national carrier’s first direct Boeing aircraft purchase.

According to the report, Uganda Airlines says the new aircraft are intended to expand and modernize its fleet as demand grows across its regional and international network. Chief Executive Ato Girma Wake said the deal is part of the airline’s plan to strengthen Entebbe’s role as a regional aviation hub and improve links to markets across Africa and beyond, including for trade, tourism, investment and cargo.

The article said the 737-8 can carry about 160 to 180 passengers in a two-class layout and has a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles, making it suitable for intra-African routes as well as services to the Middle East and India. The 787-9, with a stated range of up to 8,300 nautical miles, is expected to support longer routes to the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Boeing executive Brad McMullen said the aircraft would offer range, efficiency and flexibility for the airline’s expansion.

The Independent also reported Boeing’s claim that the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner families can cut fuel use by 20% to 25% compared with aircraft they replace. Uganda Airlines currently operates from Entebbe and serves 17 destinations in 13 countries, making the order significant for its future network growth and fleet strategy.