Uganda’s tourism promotion in the United States gained fresh momentum as Uganda Airlines announced its first-ever Boeing aircraft order. The landmark fleet expansion strengthens international connectivity, supports sustainable aviation, boosts tourism and trade, and reinforces Uganda’s position as an emerging East African aviation and tourism hub.
ENTEBBE, Uganda – Uganda’s successful tourism promotion campaign in the United States continues to generate momentum, with Uganda Airlines announcing its first-ever direct aircraft order from Boeing just days after Uganda concluded a high-profile tourism roadshow in San Francisco.
The announcement follows the San Francisco Tourism Roadshoworganized by the Embassy of Uganda in Washington, DC, at Marketplace on July 23, where Ugandan tourism stakeholders promoted the country as a premier destination for leisure, business, and investment.
At the Farnborough International Airshow, Uganda Airlines confirmed a landmark agreement with Boeing for the acquisition of four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and four Boeing 787-9 Dreamlinersmarking the airline’s first direct purchase from the US manufacturer. The order forms the centerpiece of a broader 10-aircraft fleet expansionwhich also includes two dedicated cargo freighters.
The investment is expected to strengthen Uganda’s international connectivity, support tourism growth, facilitate trade, and further deepen economic ties between Uganda and the United States.
“The timing of this announcement reinforces the message delivered during the San Francisco Tourism Roadshow—that Uganda is open for tourism, business, and investment,” tourism stakeholders said following the announcement.
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The US Embassy in Uganda also congratulated Uganda Airlines on the historic order, describing it as another example of the growing partnership between Uganda and the United States, with aviation and tourism serving as important pillars of bilateral cooperation.
Among the private sector participants at the San Francisco Roadshow was Maleng Travelwhich showcased Uganda’s tourism products to American tour operators, travel advisors, and tourism investors.
“The United States remains one of Uganda’s most important long-haul tourism source markets,” the company said. “Improved air connectivity will strengthen traveler confidence and make Uganda even more accessible to international visitors.”
The new fleet will significantly expand Uganda Airlines’ operational capabilities. The fuel-efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft will support regional expansion, while the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will enable additional long-haul services with enhanced passenger comfort and lower operating costs. The cargo freighters will boost Uganda’s air freight capacity, supporting exports and regional trade.
The expansion is also expected to strengthen Entebbe International Airport’s position as an emerging aviation hub for East Africa while supporting more climate-friendly aviation through the operation of next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft.
Uganda Airlines currently operates flights to 17 destinations across 13 countries. The arrival of the new aircraft will allow the national carrier to broaden its network, increase passenger and cargo capacity, and improve operational efficiency.
For Uganda’s tourism industry, the fleet expansion complements ongoing destination marketing efforts in North America and other international markets. Industry leaders say improved accessibility is essential for attracting more leisure travelers, business visitors, meetings and incentives (MICE) groups, and investors.
The San Francisco Tourism Roadshow highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in growing Uganda’s visitor economy. Maleng Travel said it welcomes collaboration with international travel agencies, tour wholesalers, meeting planners, and media partners interested in developing authentic and sustainable travel experiences in Uganda and across East Africa.