Uganda Airlines has introduced an Airbus A320-200 to its fleet under a short-term wet lease agreement with Lithuanian-based DAT.
The move aims to improve operational efficiency and address capacity needs during the winter season.
The A320-200, configured with 12 business class and 144 economy seats, will complement Uganda Airlines’ CRJ and A330 aircraft, some of which are undergoing maintenance.
Jenifer Bamuturaki, the airline’s CEO, emphasized the importance of this addition, citing its role in meeting rising demand across the network.
“We are delighted to announce this partnership with Lithuanian Airlines. With this new lease, we will increase capacity deployment to cater to growing demand on key routes,” Ms Bamuturaki said.
The airline aims to use the A320 to ease congestion on high-demand routes such as Johannesburg and Kinshasa while strengthening operations to Nairobi, Lagos, and Abuja.
Despite the positive steps, Uganda Airlines has faced criticism in the past for operating smaller aircraft on routes advertised for larger models, leading to frustrations over cramped seating and limited baggage capacity.
The airline is hopeful that the addition of the A320 will mitigate these issues by providing more spacious seating and enhanced cargo options.
The timing of the lease aligns with the upcoming festive season, which typically sees a surge in both leisure and business travel.
Ms Bamuturaki emphasized the airline’s commitment to improving passenger experiences and expanding cargo services, saying, “We look forward to enhancing freighting opportunities while meeting the needs of our growing customer base.”
While the Airbus A320 is expected to alleviate operational bottlenecks temporarily, Uganda Airlines acknowledges the need for long-term solutions, including acquiring additional aircraft and optimizing route efficiency to sustain growth and customer satisfaction.
This is the second time in six months this year that the national carrier is entering a wet lease after May’s 160-seater Airbus A320 leased from Johannesburg-based Global Airways.
A wet lease in aviation is a leasing arrangement where one airline provides an aircraft, complete crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to another airline or business entity.
The lessee pays based on hours operated, making it a comprehensive solution for airlines needing additional capacity without the responsibilities of full aircraft ownership.
