Ugandan delegation after meeting with Dubai Airport officials
Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Monday October 4, 2021 welcomed Uganda Airlines, marking the first international route for the national carrier.
In a statement, Dubai Airports said its Deputy CEO, Jamal Al Hai, met with Uganda Airlines Acting CEO, Jennifer Bamuturaki as well as Abdalla Hassan Al Shamsi, Ambassador of the UAE in Uganda, Zaake Wanume Kibedi, Ambassador of Uganda to UAE and Tom Butime, Uganda’s Tourism Minister.
Uganda Airlines will use the newly acquired Airbus state-of-the-art aircraft that was recently included on the Airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to ply the Dubai route.
The airline will start with three weekly flights to Dubai, with days and times carefully selected to match travelers’ convenience and connectivity.
The inaugural flight to Dubai attracted about 75 passengers, who were visibly excited as they boarded the Airbus A330-800neo. It also carried some cargo especially agricultural produce. The Airbus’ cargo capacity is 18 tonnes.
ECONOMY BOOSTED: Joy As Uganda Airlines Officially Launches Flights To Dubai
Flagging off the maiden flight to Dubai at Entebbe International Airport, Fred Byamukama, the State Minister for Transport said the inaugural flight to Dubai has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the Dubai route will boost Uganda’s economy.
“You have seen cargo being loaded on Uganda Airlines Airbus; pineapples, oranges among other items. This shows Uganda’s economy is growing. The taxes people are paying are being utilized well and Ugandans will now be travelling at a very cheaper cost; our (Uganda Airlines) fares are cheaper compared to other airlines,” Byamukama said.
He added that Uganda Airlines has great services onboard, with enough legroom for all classes.
“The cargo capacity is high. It can carry about 18 tonnes. When you see oranges and pineapples on this aircraft, it means even the ordinary farmer is benefiting,” Byamukama said, adding that the airline has also offered jobs to a number of Ugandans.
The airline hopes to beat big players by offering competitive fares and the great services offered onboard.
It’s a gateway to Uganda.