Uganda Airlines has announced the launch date for flights to its 17th destination, London Gatwick Airport.
Uganda’s national carrier, Uganda Airlines will commence scheduled flights to London Gatwick Airport in May.
The long-awaited announcement of this service came with much anticipation as the airline had initially hoped to launch this route late last year.
“I’m elated and excited to announce the dates for the long awaited direct flights to London by Uganda Airlines. This route marks the end of our establishment phase, and sets us on a course for long-term growth and expansion.” Jenifer Bamuturaki, Uganda Airlines CEO said.
UGANDA AIRLINES LONDON GATWICK FLIGHTS
The airline will service the route four times a week, from 18 May.
Flights will be operated with an Airbus A330-800 neo aircraft.
This route is in fact Uganda Airlines’ third route outside of the African continent.
Outside of the continent, Uganda Airlines flies to Dubai and Mumbai.
“We are therefore happy that Uganda Airlines is coming in to moderate the market as it has done on other routes. London, the 17th destination into which our national carrier will fly, signifies the steady progress of our transport network system” Mr. Katumba Wamala, Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport said at the launch of Uganda Airlines’ new route from Entebbe to London.
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AN UNSERVED MARKET
The Entebbe – London route is indeed one that has been identified as one of the continent’s most unserved routes.
This was announced at the AviaDev conference, which took place in Windhoek Namibia, last year.
The study, undertaken by Airbus’ Geert Lemaire, named Africa’s most underserved and unserved destinations.
The research shows that the route between Uganda and London has about 90,000 passengers per year.
However, there is currently no direct flight between these cities.
“The launch of a direct new route to London will shorten the journey from 16 hours to just 9 hours and we are sure that it will enhance our trade, education and tourism opportunities,” said Mr Adedayo Olwawuyi, Chief Commercial Officer Uganda Airlines.
This new route represents Uganda Airlines’ first foray into Europe and re-establishes a direct air link between Entebbe and the United Kingdom after nearly a decade.
Furthermore, the introduction of this service underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering stronger ties between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
