Uganda Airlines is to launch a ground-breaking direct flight between Entebbe International Airport and London Gatwick, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion by re-establishing a route not directly accessible for almost a decade. Uganda Airlines’ first European line will cut the time to arrive in either destination to almost half what it was prior. The inaugural flight is set to take off May 18 2025, with tickets now available via the Uganda Airlines app.
Uganda Airlines’ ‘first foray into Europe’
The announcement came March 20 at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala by a contingent of Ugandan and British officials. Uganda Airlines CEO Jennifer Baratumaki emphasised the importance of trade, tourism, and interconnectivity to the newly-revived airline, stating “The direct flights will offer unparalleld convenience for travelers, catering to the growing demand for seamless travel between the two nations.” As UK airport traffic reaches all-time highs, Uganda Airlines hopes to increase ease of transport for the near 150,000 citizens living in the UK. This comes some months after the airline issued a statement committing the airline to IATA safety audits, fleet expansion, and regulatory approvals in preparation for the establishment of the direct line with London Gatwick.
Baratumaki added:
“Because of the potential they unlock, these air bridges are essential planks in the Ugandan National Development Plan and Uganda’s Vision 2040 strategy. Besides shortening travel times for our passengers, this route also provides a more efficient route of exporters of fresh products to the United Kingdom.”
Uganda’s national development goals
In 2023 (link), trade between the UK and Uganda reached at $556 million. The speed and ease at which Ugandan goods such as coffee, bananas, tea, and minerals, can enter the UK market duty and quota free was a noted cause for excitement for the UK delegation. Additionally, Edward Katumba Walama, Ugandan Minister of Works and Transport, says this has been a long-requested route for produce traders.
“For some time, the people trading in fresh flowers have been knocking on our door, asking for direct flights to Europe. At least now, you can take your fresh flowers to london. The flower growers now know how to export their products to London”.
Furthermore, Minister Walama paid special tribute to former UK High Commisioner Ms. Katie Airey and Ugandan-born House of Lords member Lord Poppat for their crucial advocation for Uganda Airlines’ entry to the British market.
The service will utilise Uganda Airlines’ efficient fleet of Airbus A330-800neo, offering 257 spaces across a variety of seating options.
This route symbolises the growing scope and opportunity of Uganda Airlines as it celebrates its fifth anniversary. With ongoing talks with Boeing for freighters and more long-haul flights beyond Africa, the airline is poised to soar even higher and connect Uganda to the world like never before.
As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and rejuvenate its fleet, Pan-African airline ASKY is proud to announce the arrival of a brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as ET-BBB, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
According to a press release by the ASKY Management, this next-generation aircraft, fresh from the factory, offers a seating capacity of 8 passengers in Business Class and 177 in Economy Class. It replaces the Boeing 737-700 NG, registered as ET-ANH, which retired from the ASKY fleet after 15 years of dedicated service.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 sets a new standard in fuel efficiency, significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Its advanced engine design also minimizes cabin noise, ensuring enhanced comfort and a superior travel experience. The reduced noise footprint aligns with ASKY’s commitment to lowering environmental impact on local communities while providing a serene atmosphere onboard.
ASKY, The Pan-African Airline, is a 100% privately owned airline created by regional banking institutions in Africa that includes The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and ECOBANK Group (ETI) in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.
ASKY is a commercial company under private law and is managed by experienced African aviation professionals, with Ethiopian airlines as its strategic partner.
ASKY currently operates a fleet of fourteen (14) aircraft, including nine (09) Boeing 737-800s and five (5) Boeing 737 MAX 8s, serving twenty-nine (29) cities across twenty-seven (27) African countries.
Kenya Airways will launch flights between Gatwick and Nairobi from the start of July.
The thrice-weekly evening service to and from the south London airport will complement the carrier’s existing flights from Heathrow.
Flight KQ108 will depart Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday at 2345, and Friday and Sunday at 2340, arriving into Gatwick at 0655 and 0650 the following day respectively.
The return leg KQ109 will depart Gatwick on Monday at 1210, Thursday at 1100, and Saturday at 1225, arriving into Nairobi at 2305, 2155 and 2320 respectively.
The group’s managing director and CEO Allan Kilavuka said that the new route was “just the beginning of our expansion plans for the UK market”.
“The United Kingdom is essential and strategic for Kenya Airways and Kenya, said Kilavuka.
“It provides a gateway for trade, tourism, education, business, leisure travel, and diaspora connections. We are excited to add Gatwick Airport to our expansive network as it means that KQ guests now have more options in and out of the UK and a convenient schedule that suits their travel preferences.”
Last year the carrier established a codeshare agreement with fellow SkyTeam member Virgin Atlantic, enabling Kenya Airways customers to connect via Heathrow onto a number of Caribbean destinations served by Virgin Atlantic including Barbados, The Bahamas, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Kenya Airways (KQ) and London Metropolitan University (London Met) have embarked on a transformative journey to reshape aviation education and workforce development through a landmark partnership. This collaboration was officially sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the prestigious KQ Pride Centre. The ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent stakeholders from both institutions, alongside government representatives and aviation industry regulators, underscoring the strategic importance of this alliance.
Pioneering Industry-Academic Collaboration for Aviation Excellence
This innovative partnership demonstrates Kenya Airways’ unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between industry and academia. By combining KQ’s industry expertise with London Met’s exceptional academic resources, the collaboration aims to nurture talent, enhance employee skills, and propel innovation in the aviation sector.
Through this initiative, KQ employees will gain access to exclusive training programs, advanced academic opportunities, and pioneering research tailored to the aviation industry. The partnership reflects a shared vision of cultivating a highly skilled workforce capable of driving growth and transformation within the sector.
Speaking at the event, Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to innovation, excellence, and the development of human capital. By investing in education and skills development, we are not only empowering our employees but also shaping the future of aviation in Kenya and beyond.”
Elevating Education Standards: Application for Tertiary Institution License
To guarantee world-class educational standards, Kenya Airways has applied for a tertiary institution license from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVET). While awaiting approval, the specialized aviation courses will be exclusively available to KQ employees, ensuring they benefit from top-tier training and career development. Once the government greenlights the program, these courses will be extended to the wider public, making aviation education more accessible and affordable across Kenya and the surrounding region.
Tom Shivo, Chief Human Resources Director at Kenya Airways, highlighted the partnership’s focus on employee growth and development. “Our people are the backbone of our success. This partnership will provide our employees with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their careers and contribute to the continued success of Kenya Airways. It’s an investment in our most valuable asset—our talent.”
Introducing Cutting-Edge Aviation Degree Programs
As part of this strategic collaboration, a comprehensive suite of aviation-focused degree programs will be introduced. These include:
Master’s in Airline & Airport Corporate Management – Equipping leaders with strategic skills for the evolving aviation landscape.
Master’s in Aviation Management in the Digital Age – Preparing professionals for digital transformation in aviation operations.
Bachelor’s in Airline, Airport & Aviation Management – Building foundational expertise for aspiring aviation professionals.
These programs are designed to meet the dynamic needs of the aviation industry, empowering students with the knowledge and skills required for leadership roles.
Unmatched Scholarship Opportunities for KQ Employees
London Metropolitan University is committed to supporting Kenya Airways’ workforce by offering an exceptional 70% scholarship for KQ employees pursuing aviation-related bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In addition to the financial aid, London Met will provide essential training resources, workshops, and certificates. There is also a possibility of extending scholarship benefits to the family members of KQ employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
Driving Innovation and Workforce Development in Aviation
This strategic alliance aligns with Kenya Airways’ vision to enhance workforce capability, strengthen industry-academic relations, and stimulate innovation within the aviation sector. Simultaneously, it reflects London Met’s mission of fostering global collaboration and providing transformative educational experiences.
Celebrating a Milestone in Aviation Education
The MoU signing ceremony was a momentous occasion, bringing together influential figures from the Ministries of Education, Transport, and Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives from industry regulators and the British High Commission. Their participation highlighted the significance of this partnership in advancing aviation education and workforce development.
A New Era of Learning, Growth, and Innovation
Kenya Airways and London Metropolitan University are charting a new course for aviation education. This partnership is set to inspire a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and excellence, ensuring that the aviation industry is equipped to tackle future challenges with a highly skilled and capable workforce.
This collaboration is not just a milestone for Kenya Airways and London Met but also a significant step forward for the aviation industry in Africa and beyond, setting new benchmarks in education, training, and workforce development.
Air France-KLM and Amadeus have signed a landmark agreement to bring airline retailing into a new era through Nevio, Amadeus’ next-generation solution for” Offer and Order” native capabilities. At the heart of this transformation is the adoption of the IATA “ONE Order” standard, which will elevate the customer experience to meet the evolving needs of digitally savvy consumers.
Today, customers typically need to juggle multiple documents such as the Passenger Name Record (PNR), the Electronic Ticket (ETK), and Electronic Miscellaneous Documents (EMDs) for each booking. The partnership with Amadeus, based on Modern Airline Retailing principles, will simplify operations and the customer experience by putting in place a single, streamlined source of truth – the Order – much like how e-commerce operates today.
This partnership advances Air France-KLM’s ambition to update its current systems and move to a modern,” Offer and Order” native system. This multi-year effort will be orchestrated by the Air France-KLM MOON (Moving to Offer and Order Native) program, in close collaboration with Amadeus.
A seamless and personalized travel experience
With this transformation, Air France-KLM customers will benefit from:
A single unified travel record: Customers will have a single order that contains all their travel details, including services provided by third parties.
Enhanced servicing: Customers will be able to make modifications to their travel and ancillary services more easily.
More personalized offers: Customers will benefit from more tailored options that better match their preferences and needs.
“Our move to Modern Airline Retailing, is a key pillar in our commercial strategy, as reflected in our broad commitment to MOON program. By leveraging the power of next‑generation retailing systems, we will continue to elevate the customer experience. This partnership with Amadeus will allow our customers to track the entirety of their travel in one, accessible order, receive more personalized offers that reflect their diverse needs, and do more self‑servicing. I am confident that we will be able to deliver this vision in the years ahead in close collaboration with Amadeus, a long‑trusted technology partner.”
Angus ClarkeExecutive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Air France-KLM Group
“System transitions of this magnitude only happen so often, and I am excited to embark on this journey with Amadeus, the MOON team, and the entire Air France‑KLM IT organization. This transformation will not only bring us a best‑in‑class Order Management System, but also simplify our IT ecosystem through the phase out of several legacy applications. This will provide the Group with a modern, flexible technical foundation that will drive value for years to come.”
Pierre Olivier BandetExecutive Vice President , Air France-KLM Information Systems
“Amadeus Nevio has been specifically designed to offer exceptional flexibility, allowing Air France‑KLM to select the modules that align with its unique needs, creating a perfect fit for their operations. The partnership illustrates our ongoing commitment to supporting industry transformation and our dedication to actively driving this change. This is the future of customer‑centric retailing.”
Decius ValmorbidaPresident of Travel, Amadeus
“We are pleased to welcome Air France‑KLM as the latest customer to subscribe to Amadeus Nevio. This new generation of airline technology helps airlines deliver the best possible retailing experience to customers across all their operations, and at every touchpoint. We are dedicated to supporting Air France‑KLM in its retail transformation and, more generally, to accelerating the pace of the industry’s move to customer‑centric retailing.”
Maher KoubaaExecutive Vice President Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, Amadeus
Kenya Airways is bringing back its 5 weekly flights from Nairobi to Kinshasa on the Airbus A330. That’s 5 flights for you to choose from whether you’re flying for business, a family reunion, or that long-awaited adventure.
Why Choose Our Airbus A330? Our A330 flights are designed to give you a comfortable, seamless, and enjoyable travel experience. With spacious cabins, state-of-the-art amenities, and exceptional service, flying with us means you’ll arrive refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes next.
Flight Schedule: 5 times a week – giving you flexibility and choice. Convenient departures times for smooth connections.
Air France has resumed operations to Tanzania after a 28-year hiatus, introducing three weekly flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) with a stopover in Zanzibar. The route, serviced by the Airbus A350-900, operates every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, offering 34 business class, 24 premium economy, and 266 economy seats. This strategic move aims to accommodate the rising number of French tourists and business travellers exploring Tanzania’s renowned attractions, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, while also tapping into the growing tourism potential in Zanzibar.
The resumption of this route strengthens links between France and Tanzania, with France currently ranked as one of the top European markets for Tanzanian tourism. Kilimanjaro International Airport continues to serve as a vital gateway to the northern safari circuit, bolstering its role with ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including a parking expansion project. Additionally, French tourists have shown active engagement with local communities, including a recent donation of $4,000 from a French group to refurbish Bashay Primary School in Karatu. Air France’s return plays a key role in expanding connectivity to East Africa, fostering both tourism and local development.
Kenya Airways partners with government to boost Fly Kenya policy adoption, driving transparency, efficiency, and national pride in government travel.
Kenya Airways today convened strategic discussions with government stakeholders to advance the adoption of the Fly Kenya policy, which prioritizes the national carrier for official government travel. The initiative underscores the airline’s commitment to fostering partnerships, equipping government travel agents, and developing innovative solutions to ensure seamless policy integration across government agencies.
Since its launch in 2016, the Fly Kenya policy has faced challenges with compliance due to weak enforcement measures. In response, Kenya Airways is proposing the integration of the Foreign Travel Management Information System (FOTIMS) to enhance transparency, efficiency, and adherence to the policy. This system is expected to play a pivotal role in streamlining travel planning and ensuring that government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) adhere to the directive.
The policy is part of the government’s broader effort to support Kenya Airways by bolstering its financial sustainability, reinforcing national pride in Kenya’s aviation industry, and enhancing the country’s global connectivity and competitiveness. By promoting the use of the national carrier for government travel, the policy aims to secure a steady revenue stream for the airline while also showcasing Kenya’s aviation capabilities on the global stage.
In a further demonstration of its dedication to this initiative, Kenya Airways launched the Asante Executive Hub at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in September 2024. This hub provides tailored travel solutions for government officials, including flexible booking options, competitive pricing, priority ticketing, and dedicated customer service support.
Kenya Airways has reiterated its commitment to continued collaboration with government agencies to streamline policy implementation. By working closely with stakeholders, the airline aims to enhance compliance, improve tracking and reporting, and encourage wider adoption of the Fly Kenya policy. These efforts are expected to drive growth for the national carrier and contribute to Kenya’s broader economic development.
As Kenya Airways continues to engage with government stakeholders, it is clear that the airline sees the Fly Kenya policy as a critical component of its strategy to strengthen its position as a leading African carrier while supporting the nation’s long-term economic goals.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE established in 2003, has marked another milestone in its expansion in East Africa with the opening of a new corporate office in Nairobi’s prestigious Global Trade Centre (GTC). The office, operated through Etihad’s General Sales Agent (GSA) ITVAR Travel, was officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 22, 2025 by Ahmad Dib, Etihad Airways General Manager Middle East & Africa, and Dr. Joseph Kithitu, Chairman of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), alongside local business leaders.
The strategic location in Westlands, Nairobi’s premier business district, strengthens Etihad’s presence in Kenya following the launch of direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi in December 2024. Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays with an Airbus A320 aircraft offering eight seats in Business and 150 in Economy, the service connects the two capital cities with morning departures from Abu Dhabi and evening flights from Nairobi. Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading business hub, with its modern infrastructure and strategic location between Africa and Asia, makes it an increasingly important destination for Kenyan corporate travellers. The city offers world-class facilities for international business and serves as an ideal gateway for companies expanding their global presence. According to Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, this premium location in Nairobi’s Global Trade Centre strengthens the airline’s commitment to the East African market. “The strong performance of our Nairobi service since its launch last month demonstrates the increasing ties between our two nations. This new office opening underscores our commitment to the Kenyan market as we continue to see growing demand from business and leisure travellers in both directions.” Dr. Joseph Kithitu, KATA Chairman, added: “The opening of Etihad Airways’ new office in Nairobi’s business hub signals confidence in Kenya’s aviation market. This investment, coupled with their new direct flights, creates valuable opportunities for the travel trade and enhances connectivity for Kenyan travellers.” The Global Trade Centre, a landmark development in Nairobi’s business district, houses numerous international corporations and is strategically positioned to serve Kenya’s expanding business travel sector.
The national carrier boosted local suppliers beyond Uganda’s skies by taking their products into in-flight services
Revived in 2019 to enhance connectivity and boost tourism, Uganda Airlines faced turbulence from the start but is now showing signs of recovery, with optimism replacing initial skepticism.
Uganda Airlines has achieved a significant financial milestone by reducing its losses by 26% over the past year, as highlighted in the Uganda Auditor General’s report.
Losses dropped from Shs324.9 billion in 2023 to Shs237.85 billion in 2024, a testament to effective leadership and strategic initiatives aimed at reversing years of financial challenges.
“The 26% reduction in losses is a clear indication of the strides we’ve made in addressing operational inefficiencies,” said Shakila Rahim Lamar, head of corporate affairs and communication at Uganda Airlines.
She added that the airline’s leadership is optimistic about achieving profitability in the near future, citing planned expansions and continued government support for capital projects as key enablers.
Uganda Airlines was revived in 2019 after nearly two decades in the dust to enhance the country’s connectivity and boost its aviation industry.
Despite initial optimism, the airline grappled with significant financial losses in its early years, exacerbated by legacy contracts, high operational costs, and limited revenue streams.
The appointment of Jenifer Bamuturaki as chief executive in 2022 marked a turning point for the airline.
Tasked with steering the company toward sustainability from is acute loss-making and uncertainty on whether it would survive the cut-throat aviation competition, Ms Bamuturaki implemented a series of bold measures to address inefficiencies and improve revenue generation.
Ms Bamutaraki laid her commitment bare during an engagement with editors in February last year, urging journalists to transform their inquiries into compelling narratives while promoting a balanced relationship between the media and businesses.
“Do you remember the fuelling saga in Dar es Salaam some years ago? I found it hard to believe when the media ran wild with stories suggesting that an aircraft, which was on the ground waiting to refuel, was in danger of crashing,” she said.
Key Measures Implemented
Uganda Airlines, under the stewardship of Bamuturaki, expanded its operations from 11 to 16 routes, including the addition of Mumbai and Lagos.
Ms Lamar told the Nile Post that while these routes incurred initial costs, they significantly boosted passenger traffic and cargo revenues, positioning the airline for long-term growth.
The national carrier attributes this strategic route development to its ability to improve connectivity while increasing revenue streams.
Recognising the potential of cargo services, the airline prioritised this segment, leading to an impressive 380% growth over the past year.
“Over 9,233 tonnes of cargo were transported, establishing cargo operations as a critical revenue stream,” Ms Lamar said.
To maximise limited resources, the airline also utilised a wet lease for an Airbus A320, which has been instrumental in meeting demand on high-traffic routes.
This arrangement allowed Uganda Airlines to increase seat capacity and support passenger growth without the immediate financial burden of outright aircraft acquisition.
Cost management has been a focal point of the airline’s strategy. Uganda Airlines reviewed and renegotiated outdated contracts, streamlined staff wages and benefits, and introduced a self-handling project at Entebbe International Airport to reduce reliance on external providers.
Fuel management mechanisms were also improved to optimize acquisition and usage amidst fluctuating global fuel prices.
Additionally, Uganda Airlines increased local contracting from 10% to 80%, ensuring consistent supply chains while supporting the national economy.
This shift to local suppliers has reduced costs and bolstered Ugandan industries, the airline noted.
Despite these achievements, Uganda Airlines continues to face challenges. Forex exposures, high fuel costs, blocked funds in countries like Nigeria and Burundi, and mandatory aircraft maintenance remain pressing issues.
Ms Lamar highlighted these obstacles but reiterated that the strategic measures adopted have significantly mitigated their impact, setting the airline on a path toward sustainability.
Broader Impact and Future Prospects
In his report for the last financial year – and a maiden one at that – Auditor General Edward Akol, noted that while a number of state-owned enterprises and corporations in Uganda are grappling with worsening financial performance, some have been facing bleak financial outcomes.
Joining Uganda Airlines on the progressive podium were Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), whose losses sharply reduced by up to 78.4%, from Shs17.5 billion to Shs3.78 billion.
Uganda Air Cargo Corporation also showed progress, reducing its losses from Shs10 billion in 2023 to Shs8.21 billion in 2024.
While these figures still represent substantial losses, AG Akol said the trend was encouraging, suggesting that operational adjustments and better financial oversight can result in significant improvements.
Beyond financial performance, Uganda Airlines has made substantial socio-economic contributions.
Operating 20 daily flights across 16 routes, the airline has enhanced regional connectivity and reduced travel times.
Its operations account for 23.6% of Entebbe International Airport’s total traffic, while 90% of onboard consumables are sourced locally, supporting local industries.
Over the past five years, Uganda Airlines has generated Shs1.2 trillion in revenue and created 560 jobs. Looking ahead, the airline plans to expand its operations to the United Kingdom and acquire two midrange freighters, further strengthening its market position.
“We are optimistic about reducing losses further in the next financial year as we expand into new markets and optimise our operations,” said Ms Lamar.
The story of Uganda Airlines highlights how effective leadership and targeted strategies can transform even the most challenging circumstances into a path toward recovery and growth.
