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Uganda Airlines is set to add an Airbus A320neo to its fleet next month in a move aimed at bolstering its capacity.
The Airbus A320neo, according to reports, will be acquired through a wet-lease agreement, a type of lease where the lessor provides the complete aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.
This temporary addition comes as Uganda Airlines finalizes plans to acquire another aircraft permanently.
Details about the lease agreement were yet to be divulged by the airline.
Meanwhile, the national career continues to grapple with staffing challenges.
"We are actively hiring both pilots and flight attendants, both locally and internationally," said Jenifer Bamuturaki, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Airlines recently.
"The limited number of qualified pilots in Uganda necessitates searching for candidates within the East African region and beyond."
Addressing Staff Shortages
The airline has admitted to a staff shortage, primarily pilots, with five having recently retired. This global phenomenon is attributed to factors like an aging pilot population, surging air travel demand, and stringent training requirements. Uganda Airlines is exploring the possibility of extending the retirement age for pilots to retain experienced crew and enhance training capabilities.
Balancing Growth with Manpower
To manage the workload amidst the staff shortage, Uganda Airlines has been forced to reduce its daily flights to Juba and Nairobi from three to two. However, David Kaweesi, the airline's Director of Operations, refuted claims that the airline is overworking its existing staff. He emphasized that crew operations still adhere to strict global guidelines, ensuring adequate rest periods.