Uganda Airlines has expanded its fleet with the addition of an Airbus A320-200 through a short-term wet lease agreement with Lithuania-based DAT.
This strategic move is designed to boost operational efficiency and address capacity demands during the winter season.
The A320-200, featuring 12 business class seats and 144 economy seats, will complement Uganda Airlines’ existing fleet of CRJ and A330 aircraft, some of which are currently under maintenance.
CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki highlighted the significance of the lease, emphasizing its role in meeting growing demand across key routes. “We are excited about this partnership with Lithuanian Airlines. This lease enables us to increase capacity and cater to rising demand on essential routes,” she said.
The new aircraft will focus on easing congestion on high-demand routes such as Johannesburg and Kinshasa while bolstering operations to Nairobi, Lagos, and Abuja.
Uganda Airlines has faced criticism in the past for deploying smaller aircraft on routes initially planned for larger planes, leading to complaints about cramped seating and limited baggage capacity. The introduction of the A320-200 aims to address these concerns by offering more spacious seating and enhanced cargo capabilities.
The lease comes just in time for the festive season, a period typically marked by increased leisure and business travel. Ms. Bamuturaki reiterated, “We are committed to enhancing freighting opportunities while meeting the needs of our growing customer base.”
While the Airbus A320 offers a temporary solution to capacity challenges, Uganda Airlines recognizes the need for long-term measures, such as acquiring additional aircraft and optimizing route efficiency, to sustain growth and improve customer satisfaction.
This marks the airline’s second wet lease this year, following the lease of a 160-seater Airbus A320 from Johannesburg-based Global Airways in May.
A wet lease is a contractual arrangement in which one airline provides an aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance (ACMI) to another airline. The lessee pays based on operational hours, making it a practical solution for airlines requiring additional capacity without committing to full ownership.
