Uganda Airlines takes A330-800neo aircraft on flight demonstration in certification process

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Airlines on Thursday flew one of its A330-800neo aircraft on a demonstration flight to South Africa ahead of securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for long-haul flights, said corporate sources.

The national carrier in a statement issued said the demonstration flight to Johannesburg is a step toward attaining the AOC.

Uganda early this year received two new A330-800neo aircrafts, which it hopes to use for long-haul flights to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

In March, the national carrier announced that it had got landing approvals for Heathrow Airport in London and Dubai International Airport of United Arab Emirates as it is set to resume long-haul flights.

The country began flight operations in August 2019 with the four Bombardiers CRJ900 for regional flights. South Africa is one of the destinations. The older Uganda Airlines collapsed in 2001 after it faced financial difficulties, and was liquidated after years of making losses.

Government is optimistic that the revival of the national flag carrier will boost the country’s economic growth and tourism.

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Xinhua