Uganda Airlines places first order for 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner jets

Boeing and Uganda Airlines announced that the national carrier is ordering four 737-8 and four 787-9 airplanes to grow and modernise its fleet. The airline’s first-ever Boeing airplane purchase will support growing demand across its regional and international network. “This commitment with Boeing marks a defining step in Uganda Airlines’ growth journey and in our broader ambition to position Entebbe as a strategic aviation hub for the region,” said Ato Girma Wake, Uganda Airlines CEO. “The aircraft will strengthen our ability to connect Uganda more efficiently to regional, continental and international markets, while supporting trade, tourism, investment and cargo development.” The 737-8, which can fly 160-180 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km), is well-suited for Uganda Airlines’ intra-Africa routes and service to the Middle East and India. With a range up to 8,300 nautical miles (15,370 km), the 787-9 will support the airline’s high-demand long-haul routes to the Middle East, Asia and Europe. “We’re pleased to welcome Uganda Airlines as a Boeing customer and support the airline’s next phase of growth with the 737-8 and 787-9,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “These airplanes offer efficiency, range and versatility to help Uganda Airlines strengthen and expand its network.” Luxair places additional order for 737 jets (IMAGE: Boeing) Boeing and Luxair, the national airline of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, announced that the airline has converted two options for the Boeing 737-10 into firm orders and secured options for two additional 737-10 aircraft. “This agreement represents another important milestone in the execution of our long-term fleet strategy,” said Gilles Feith, CEO of Luxair. “As we continue to grow, delivering an outstanding passenger experience remains at the heart of every fleet decision we make. The Boeing 737-10 provides the additional capacity, operational efficiency and flexibility we need to support future demand while maintaining the high standards of quality, comfort and service our customers expect from Luxair.” “With 20 percent lower fuel use and emissions compared with the aircraft they replace, these aircraft also support our ambition to further reduce our environmental footprint while strengthening Luxembourg’s connectivity,” added Feith. “At the same time, the additional purchase rights preserve valuable strategic flexibility, allowing us to adapt our fleet in line with future market developments and customer demand.” Following its 2024 order for two Boeing 737-10 aircraft, Luxair has now converted two options into firm orders. Once all firm orders have been delivered, Luxair’s Boeing 737 fleet will comprise of twelve aircraft: eight Boeing 737-8s and four Boeing 737-10s. Together with the additional options, the agreement provides the airline with the flexibility to support future growth while benefiting from the fleet commonality and operational efficiencies of the Boeing 737 family. The 737-10 aircraft, configured with 213 seats, will support growing demand on high-density leisure and business routes while further enhancing Luxair’s onboard offering. The Boeing Sky Interior will feature redesigned seats with a seat pitch of 76 cm, USB-C charging at every seat and wireless in-flight entertainment accessible via passengers’ personal devices. Powered by latest-generation CFM LEAP-1B engines, the aircraft will combine greater capacity with operational efficiency, a quieter cabin and a high level of passenger comfort. Boeing and MSC Air Cargo announce order for 777-8 freighters (IMAGE: Boeing) Boeing and MSC Air Cargo announced that the fast-growing air cargo operator has purchased five 777-8 freighters. The previously unidentified order is MSC Air Cargo’s first for the 777-8 Freighter. The 777-8 Freighter will be the industry’s most capable twin-engine freighter, incorporating advanced technologies as a member of the 777X family and customer-preferred features from the current generation 777 freighter. “With this order, we are investing in the long-term future of MSC Air Cargo and in the customers we serve,” said Jannie Davel, CEO of MSC Air Cargo. “The 777-8 Freighter gives us the efficiency, range and capacity to serve our customers reliably for years to come, while advancing our commitment to more sustainable operations. It is the right aircraft for the next stage of our growth.” The 777-8 freighter offers the highest payload and the lowest fuel use, emissions and operating cost per tonne of any large freighter. Widebody freighters fly approximately 75 percent of global air cargo capacity. The air freight sector is expected to play a crucial role in the decades ahead as e-commerce continues to grow. “MSC Air Cargo is investing in its future with this order for large widebody freighter aircraft that will further enhance the capability and reach of its global air network,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “The 777-8 Freighter will be the most efficient aircraft in its class and will connect MSC Air Cargo’s hubs to key international markets. Boeing has booked more than 80 orders for the 777-8 freighter and MSC Air Cargo is the third Europe-based air cargo operator to order the airplane. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]