In a recent statement, Andrew Mwenda expressed his concern over the current state of Uganda Airlines. According to him, it has been two years since the current management took over the airline, but since then, not a single route has been added, and passenger numbers are declining. He went on to describe the situation as a “disaster of unmitigated proportions.”
“It’s two years now since the current management took over Uganda Airlines. Since then, the airline has not added a single route and the passenger numbers are going down. The two large airbuses are operating one route to Dubai. This is a disaster of unmitigated proportions.” Mwenda said.
Mwenda also criticized the airline’s plans to purchase new planes, given that the existing ones are grossly underutilized. He questioned why the airline would want to increase its fleet when it cannot even make proper use of the ones it already has. Furthermore, he pointed out that purchasing from Boeing would only increase the costs of service, pilots, and handling, when there are other options available, such as CRJ and Airbus.
“It’s two years now since the current management took over Uganda Airlines. Since then, the airline has not added a single route and the passenger numbers are going down. The two large airbuses are operating one route to Dubai. This is a disaster of unmitigated proportions.” Mwenda added.
Mwenda’s remarks come at a time when there is growing concern over the state of Uganda Airlines. Uganda Airlines resumed operations in August 2019 after nearly 20 years of inactivity.
Currently, Uganda Airlines operates over 10 regional routes and one international route: Dubai. But with more international routes expected to be launched and a new fleet acquired in about two years, the airline is poised to expand.
