Uganda Airlines leases Ethiopian Boeing 787-8 for London Gatwick flights as long-haul fleet grounded
March 5, 2026
Uganda Airlines has signed a deal with Ethiopian Airlines to lease a single Boeing 787-8 aircraft to service its flights to London Gatwick and Mumbai, local media reports suggest. The aircraft in question has already flown to Uganda Airlines’ Entebbe hub, in time for its entry-into-service with the carrier from 7 March.
This follows the airline’s complete suspension of long-haul flights, announced on its social media platforms on 20 February. The carrier’s two Airbus A330-800neo aircraft were withdrawn for what Uganda Airlines said was “unscheduled maintenance.” As the pair were its only aircraft capable of long-haul flights, its operations to Dubai, Mumbai, Lagos and London Gatwick were impacted.
The problem with suspending London Gatwick flights is that it is at risk of losing its slots. Under the global “use it or lose it” slot rule, airlines must operate at least 80% of their allocated slots or risk losing them to competitors.
Uganda Airlines resumes long-haul flights with Ethiopian Airlines ACMI lease
On social media on Thursday, Uganda Airlines said that it would be resuming select long-haul flights. “We are pleased to announce the reinstatement of our long-haul operations to London, United Kingdom and Mumbai, India; effective 7 March 2026,” the airline said.
It added that Dubai was “currently being monitored,” likely referring to the ongoing conflict in the region, which has disrupted flights across parts of the Gulf.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience, loyalty, and continued support of our guests during the recent temporary disruptions,” the company’s statement concluded.
Uganda Airlines did not clarify the status of its Airbus A330-800 fleet, though Plus News (Uganda) and ATC News report that the carrier is wet-leasing a Boeing 787-8 aircraft from Ethiopian Airlines to facilitate the resumption of its flights to London. Indeed, an aircraft registered ET-ASI was ferried to Uganda under the airline’s callsign in advance of its launch into commercial service for the carrier.
The aircraft is around 10 years old and has been operated by Ethiopian Airlines since delivery. It is fitted with 246 seats in Economy Class and 24 in Business Class. For reference, Uganda Airlines’ A330neo planes have 20 business, 28 premium economy, and 210 economy seats.
It is unclear how the airline plans to accommodate passengers booked in premium economy, as the leased aircraft does not include that cabin.
The ACMI deal with Ethiopian Airlines reportedly includes 43 crew members and engineers who have already been ferried to Entebbe.
The airline’s booking website shows a Boeing 787 for flights to London Gatwick on 8 March, though all flights after are displayed as flying with an A330neo. All flights to Mumbai continue to show the Airbus A330-800.
This could suggest that one of the airline’s Airbus widebodies has returned to service, although this has not been confirmed.
Alternatively, the airline’s booking system may not yet reflect the temporary aircraft change.
Management links: Uganda Airlines’ new boss is ex-Ethiopian Airlines
The Chief Executive of Uganda Airlines, Jenifer Bamuturaki, stepped down last month following considerable criticism over the airline’s poor financial performance. Bamuturaki also faced criticism over the airline’s operational performance, including cancelled flights.
In her place lands Girma Wake, widely regarded as one of the architects of modern African aviation after transforming Ethiopian Airlines into the continent’s dominant carrier.
The Ugandan government appointed Wake to address the “current weaknesses in the leadership and management of Uganda Airlines,” drawing on his experience as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines.
He has stepped in as interim CEO and consultant.
Featured image: Markus Mainka | stock.adobe.com
