By Andrew Irumba
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft Wednesday delivered the first two of the four (4) CRJ900 Bombardier aircrafts ordered by Uganda National Airlines Company in July 2018. The new airline has selected Bombardier and the CRJ900 regional jets fitted with the atmosphere cabin for its upcoming debut, making it the first operator in Africa with this enhanced cabin experience.
The CRJ900 delivery ceremony was held on Wednesday at Bombardier’s Mirabel, Quebec facility and was attended by Minister of Works and Transport Hon. Monica Azuba Ntege, executives of both Uganda Airlines and Bombardier Commercial Aircraft as well as several shop floor employees who build the CRJ900 aircraft.
“We are thrilled to commence our operations with the world’s leading regional jet, and we look forward to providing the most modern passenger experience in regional aviation to the people of Uganda and across Africa,” said Ephraim Bagenda, CEO Uganda National Airlines.
“We congratulate Uganda Airlines for taking delivery of their very first CRJ900 jetliner fitted with the atmosphere cabin in a dual-class configuration with 76 seats, including 12 first class seats. The CRJ Series is recognized for its superior economics and efficiency and I am confident that it will be the stepping stone for the development of Uganda’s regional air travel”, said Fred Cromer, President Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.
TheSpy Uganda has learnt that recruitment of pilots, cabin crew and another 30 key staff has been completed.
According to Junior Works Minister Aggrey Bagiiree, the cabin crew will begin training as soon as the aircraft arrive in Uganda.
The two aircraft will arrive in Uganda on April 23, 2019 with scheduled commercial services expected to start in June.
Mr Bagiire said during this period, the carrier will negotiate interline agreements and code-share with some of the bigger foreign airlines operating into Entebbe, to offer onward lift to transit passengers across its network.
Without giving timelines, Mr Bagiire said that Uganda would also study the implications of the proposed Single African Air Transport Market, with a view to signing up.
