Uganda’s revived flag carrier, Uganda Airlines, intends to start commercial operations next month, with the first flight from Entebbe to Nairobi.

In his State of the Nation address, Uganda President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, said the carrier would deploy the recently acquired Bombardier CRJ900s on the first regional routes. The airline received two Bombardier CRJ900s in April and is awaiting delivery of more.

“Commercial operations are expected to commence in July. The other two Bombardier CRJ900s are expected in July and September and recruitment of key staff for the national airline is complete,” said the President.

Ephraim Kalyebara Bagenda, airline’s Chief Executive Director, recently told local media that they were working around the clock to acquire an air operator certificate (AOC).

“On securing the AOC we have finished the first two difficult phases,” he said additional that they were working on the third and the fourth phases. “We have to ensure that we have the necessary personnel and the necessary requisites for launching an airline. Once the AOC process is complete, it is a matter of putting our house in order,” said Bagenda.

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