Uganda Airlines is set to launch new flights to Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare as part of its strategy to boost revenue, optimize fleet use, and expand its market reach.
The airline revealed on Wednesday that it will commence flights to Abuja this month.
This new service will operate twice a week. Flights to Lusaka and Harare will follow two weeks later, operating four times a week in a triangular route.
The new routes will increase Uganda Airlines’ destinations from 13 to 16.
They are expected to enhance efficiency by creating a network effect, where new services feed traffic to existing destinations.
Jenifer Bamuturaki, CEO of Uganda Airlines, explained, “Launching these routes marks the conclusion of our three-year strategic plan and sets the stage for the next phase of our 10-year rolling plan.”
The Abuja service will add one hour of flying time to the existing Lagos route, helping the airline tap into traffic from the underserved Nigerian capital.
Abuja has long been one of the largest underserved markets on the continent, and the new flights are anticipated to open opportunities for reverse flows from Kenya.
Currently, Ethiopian Airlines and a few North African carriers serve Abuja, with Ethiopian holding a near-monopoly on the Abuja-Entebbe route.
This monopoly has made the route one of the most expensive on the continent.
“Our goal is to bridge the geographical gaps and connect East to West, North, and South Africa,” Bamuturaki said.
“This vision guides our route expansion, which is based on feasibility studies highlighting underserved routes.”
The new services to Lusaka and Harare are part of Uganda Airlines’ broader strategy to strengthen regional connectivity.
The airline aims to use these routes to feed into its services to West Africa, the Middle East, India, and eventually China and the United Kingdom.
“The entry into these markets is designed to build an efficient regional network,” Bamuturaki continued.
“This will support our long-haul operations and improve fleet utilization, creating a robust network that serves as a feeder for destinations like London, Mumbai, Guangzhou, and Dubai.”
The new routes will feature a triangular operation, alternating between Entebbe-Lusaka-Harare and Entebbe-Harare-Lusaka.
This setup is intended to maximize efficiency and provide more connectivity options for passengers.
The decision to expand into these new markets comes as part of Uganda Airlines’ strategic plan to overcome market challenges and enhance its competitive edge.
The airline’s expansion strategy is driven by the need to tap into underserved routes and leverage new opportunities in the regional aviation market.
The Abuja route, in particular, is expected to address a significant gap in the market. With no direct flights between Nairobi and Abuja, there is a substantial opportunity for Uganda Airlines to capture traffic that previously had limited options.
Bamuturaki emphasized that the new routes align with the airline’s long-term vision of improving Africa’s regional connectivity.
“Our aspiration is to create a network that not only connects various parts of Africa but also supports our long-haul market,” she said.
Despite potential risks associated with expanding into new and sometimes volatile markets, Uganda Airlines is confident that the benefits will outweigh the challenges.
The airline is banking on its strategic approach and the growing demand for improved regional connectivity to drive its success.
Uganda Airlines’ expansion into Abuja, Lusaka, and Harare reflects a broader trend of African airlines seeking to enhance their regional presence and address market gaps.
The new routes are expected to facilitate better connections and provide passengers with more options for travel across the continent.
The airline’s focus on underserved routes is a strategic move to capitalize on opportunities where competition is limited.
By offering new flights to these destinations, Uganda Airlines aims to capture a share of the market and improve its overall efficiency.
The new services also align with Uganda Airlines’ efforts to optimize fleet utilization and build a more robust regional network.
This will not only support the airline’s long-haul operations but also enhance its position in the competitive African aviation market.
In addition to expanding its destinations, Uganda Airlines has also been actively investing in its fleet and infrastructure.
The airline’s strategic plan includes leasing additional aircraft and enhancing its service offerings to meet growing demand.
As Uganda Airlines prepares to launch these new routes, the airline is poised to strengthen its position in the regional aviation market and contribute to improved connectivity across Africa.
