As all East African countries prepare to have national carriers by the end of this month, Uganda expects its first fleet this month.
The first aircraft purchased by Uganda Airlines will arrive in Entebbe on April 23 in what will mark the revival of the country’s national carrier.
The move is expected to heighten competition in the region’s aviation industry as airlines jostle for customers.
The move, which comes as a relief to travellers will ensure they enjoy reduced fares cutting the dominance of Kenya Airways, which has had near monopoly of Ugandan routes amid complaints over exorbitant charges.
In January this year, Tanzania received Airbus 220-300, in addition to its existing fleet, in readiness for international flights both within and outside the continent.
The plane was the second Airbus for the neighbouring country in less than a month after it acquired another last December, bringing to six, the number of aircrafts that Air Tanzania Company has received in the past months.
The revival of Ugandan Airlines has had many false starts. The airline is now slated to be operational by June, after a decade-long hiatus.
The revival of Uganda Airlines will directly eat into the Kenyan carrier’s earnings as the country is one of its profitable routes.
