Uganda Airlines Leases Ethiopian B787 to Resume Long-Haul Service

Uganda Airlines (UR) has secured a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from Ethiopian Airlines (ET) under a short-term wet lease to resume its international long-haul services. The national carrier suspended its long-distance flights on February 20, 2026, following the grounding of its entire two-aircraft Airbus A330-800neo fleet for unscheduled maintenance. The leased aircraft will allow the airline to restart critical routes to London and Mumbai.

The arrangement is an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) agreement, a type of wet lease where the lessor provides the complete operational package. This solution was critical for Uganda Airlines to maintain network continuity after maintenance issues sidelined both of its wide-body jets. One of the carrier's Airbus A330-800neo aircraft has reportedly been out of service since January 11, 2026, for engine work projected to take 12 to 14 weeks. The grounding of the second aircraft forced a complete halt to its long-haul network, impacting passengers and posing a risk to the airline's international presence.

Operational Details and Fleet Impact

Under the terms of the ACMI agreement, Ethiopian Airlines will provide a Boeing 787-8, registration ET-ASI, along with a 43-member crew to operate the flights on behalf of Uganda Airlines. This allows for a swift resumption of service, as Uganda Airlines' crews are certified on the Airbus A330, not the Boeing 787. Flights are scheduled to resume on March 7, 2026, restoring connectivity to key destinations including London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Mumbai.

The incident highlights the operational vulnerabilities faced by airlines with small, specialized fleets. Uganda Airlines' owned fleet consists of just the two A330-800neos for long-haul routes and four CRJ900LRs for regional services. The loss of even a single wide-body aircraft severely constrains its international schedule, while the loss of both proved unsustainable. In contrast, Ethiopian Airlines operates a diverse and extensive fleet, including 20 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, providing it with the spare capacity to support other carriers through its leasing division.

Regulatory Pressure and New Leadership

The decision to quickly secure a replacement aircraft was driven in part by significant regulatory pressure. Airlines operating at capacity-constrained airports like London Gatwick are subject to a "use-it-or-lose-it" slot rule, which generally requires carriers to use at least 80% of their allocated takeoff and landing slots or risk forfeiting them in the next scheduling season. A prolonged suspension would have jeopardized Uganda Airlines' valuable access to the London market.

The swift resolution also coincides with a recent leadership change at the airline. Jenifer Bamuturaki stepped down as CEO in February 2026, following a period of operational challenges. In January, she had acknowledged difficulties, stating, “We regret these delays of December [2025]. December was a terrible time for us at the airline and also for the country.” On February 16, 2026, Girma Wake, the former CEO and chairman who transformed Ethiopian Airlines into a global aviation powerhouse, was appointed acting CEO of Uganda Airlines. Industry observers suggest Wake's deep ties and experience with Ethiopian Airlines were instrumental in arranging the ACMI deal efficiently, demonstrating a practical example of inter-African airline cooperation.

Why This Matters

This agreement underscores the critical role of the ACMI market in ensuring airline operational continuity. For a small national carrier like Uganda Airlines, the ability to lease capacity at short notice is a vital tool to mitigate the risks associated with a limited fleet. The move not only protects its network and brand reputation but also showcases a strategic partnership between two of Africa's national carriers, leveraging the scale of an established giant to support a growing airline.

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