Uganda Airlines has announced one of the most significant fleet expansions in its history, placing an order for four Boeing 737 MAX 8s and four Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliners at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
The deal marks a major strategic shift for the Ugandan flag carrier, representing its first-ever direct purchase agreement with Boeing and signalling an ambitious new phase of regional and long‑haul growth.
The airline currently operates the Airbus A330‑800neo as its sole long‑haul aircraft type, with one active and one parked airframe . The new order will introduce the Dreamliner into Uganda Airlines’ fleet for the first time in its own livery, following a period in which the carrier relied on a wet‑leased Ethiopian Airlines 787‑8 to maintain long‑haul services to London Gatwick and Mumbai after engine issues grounded its A330‑800neos .
The addition of the 787‑9, with a range of up to 8,300 nautical miles, will support high‑demand routes to the Middle East, Asia and Europe, strengthening Uganda’s global connectivity and positioning Entebbe as a strategic aviation hub for East Africa . Meanwhile, the 737 MAX 8, capable of carrying 160–180 passengers over 3,500 nautical miles, will enhance intra‑Africa operations and expand services to the Middle East and India, offering fuel savings of approximately 20–25% compared with the airline’s existing 14‑year‑old 737‑800 .
Uganda Airlines currently operates a fleet of four Bombardier CRJ‑900s and a single Boeing 737‑800, making the MAX order a significant step in modernising its narrow‑body operations .
The agreement follows earlier discussions between Ugandan officials and Boeing representatives, during which additional freighter conversions — a 767 and a 737 — were reportedly signed, though these were not included in the Farnborough announcement .
With this landmark order, Uganda Airlines is positioning itself for a new era of competitiveness, efficiency and international reach. The arrival of both the 737 MAX and the 787 Dreamliner will reshape the carrier’s fleet profile and strengthen Uganda’s presence on key global routes.
