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ENTEBBE | Uganda Airlines has received a 160-seater Airbus A320 leased from Johannesburg-based Global Airways.
The national carrier says the short-term lease agreement will enhance its operational efficiency as some of its aircraft proceed on scheduled maintenance.
“We are delighted to announce this partnership with Global Airlines, which will support our operations at a critical juncture in our development,” Ms Jenifer Bamuturaki, the Uganda Airlines chief executive, said in a statement.
“We have seen significant growth in demand on a number of our routes, which has introduced certain pressures into our operations.”The A320 mid-range aircraft, acquired on wet lease, will supplement our CRJ and A330 fleet, according to the Ms Shakila Rahim, the public affairs and communication manager at Uganda Airlines.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.Welcome aboard the Airbus A320, The aircraft is a 160-seater, with a two-class cabin featuring 12 business class and 138 economy seats on wet lease for 6 months from Global Airlines to augment our operations. South Africa’s Global Airways is an ACMI specialist operating a mixed fleet of Airbus A320 and& A340 aircraft on behalf of airlines, governments and tour operators worldwide.
“Leasing this A320 is intended to ensure that our customers continue to enjoy the unparalleled service that we have become known for and add flexibility to our operations,” Ms Bamuturaki said.The airline did not reveal the financial detail of the wet lease agreement.The aircraft, registration ZS-GAR, touched down at Entebbe international Airport at 2.5pm as flight GBB9001.Local media site 256 Business News said it followed a flight lasting three hours and forty-eight minutes.
The website said ZS-GAR will start commercial operations on Monday, May 13, with flight UR 710 to Johannesburg in the morning and close the day with flight UR204 to Nairobi in the evening.
“This lease would also help to resolve operational challenges on routes like Johannesburg and Kinshasa, where we have been unable to operate efficiently due to capacity limitations and augment operations on services to Nairobi and Lagos,” the national carrier added. The lease means Global Airways will provide its pilots and cabin crew and will support Uganda Airlines in maintaining schedule integrity during the period.The 160-seater Airbus has a two-class cabin featuring 12 business class and 138 economy seats.