On 24 November 2024, Uganda Airlines announced the signing of a short-term lease agreement with Lithuanian carrier DAT, based in Karmelava, Lithuania. The lease of a 9.3-year-old Airbus A320-200 is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency during the winter schedule.
The mid-range A320-200, acquired on a wet lease, will complement Uganda Airlines’ existing fleet of CRJs and A330s. The leased aircraft comes with its own pilots and cabin crew, enabling Uganda Airlines to maintain schedule integrity during routine maintenance of its regional fleet.
The additional capacity is expected to address operational challenges on key routes such as Johannesburg and Kinshasa, where limited capacity has affected efficiency. It will also strengthen operations on routes to Nairobi, Lagos, and Abuja, providing more seats to meet growing demand.
“We are delighted to announce this partnership with DAT, which will support our operations. The previously leased aircraft have already demonstrated significant growth in demand across our network. With this new lease, we can sustain and increase capacity on specific routes to meet customer needs,” said Uganda Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki.
The 156-seater aircraft features a two-class cabin configuration, with 12 business class and 144 economy seats, offering increased passenger baggage and cargo capacity. Ms. Bamuturaki highlighted that the lease is particularly valuable during the festive season, a period marked by high demand for both leisure and business travel.
“We also look forward to enhanced cargo freighting for our customers,” she added, inviting travellers and the business community to take advantage of the increased capacity.
This strategic lease underscores Uganda Airlines’ commitment to maintaining reliable operations, improving service quality, and meeting the growing needs of its passengers and cargo clients.
