New service intensifies competition for Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines and Air Tanzania as the Gulf carrier expands its regional dominance. Nairobi, Kenya | THE INDEPENDENT & AGENCIES | Building on Emirates’ 30th anniversary of operations in Kenya, the world’s largest international airline has announced a third daily flight to Nairobi, …
Read More »Dubai Air Show: Planes, power and politics
Inside the billion-dollar bazaar of mega jets and military might NEWS ANALYSIS | IAN KATUSIIME | In the blistering desert heat, Dubai once again became the world’s grand marketplace for global aviation at the biennial Dubai Air Show held from Nov.17-21 at the Al Maktoum International Airport in the United …
Read More »Emirates, Qatar competition heats up in Uganda
How the rivalry between the two Gulf carriers has contributed to the growth of the local aviation industry NEWS ANALYSIS | IAN KATUSIIME | Emirates and Qatar Airways, the two Gulf carriers dominating the global aviation industry are flexing muscles over the fast growing Ugandan market. Every week thousands of …
Read More »Africa’s airlines push for one sky
There’s an energetic buzz in Africa’s aviation space. The latest launch of more direct flights between African countries is fuelling the continent’s push for “one sky.” SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Africa’s aviation market is entering a new phase as carriers resume long-dormant routes and expand into new and …
Read More »Why Uganda must marry aviation and tourism for her next leap
COMMENT | DEREK NSEKO | Uganda’s aviation sector is quietly experiencing its strongest recovery in decades. Entebbe International Airport recorded over 2.2 million international passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Cargo exports of flowers, fish and others are climbing. Uganda Airlines, with its modern fleet of A330neos and CRJ900s, has expanded …
Read More »Uganda Airlines AMO performs first in-house CRJ900 engine swap
The airline is set to mark its sixth anniversary on 28 August 2025, and the development adds to the list of milestones since the carrier’s revival Kampala, Uganda | AGENCIES | Flag carrier Uganda Airlines has reached a technical and strategic milestone with its Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO), successfully carrying …
Read More »Geopolitics throttles East African aviation
How regional disputes create the perfect storm for regional airlines ANALYSIS | IAN KATUSIIME | East African skies are open, but the politics on the ground are clipping the wings of regional airlines—turning promising flight paths into costly detours, empty terminals, and a slow-motion grounding of the region’s aviation dreams. Take …
Read More »Optimism as Uganda Airlines expands
Experts say coming months critical for new planes, routes Kampala, Uganda | IAN KATUSIIME | Plans by Uganda Airlines (UR) to expand its fleet to about ten aircraft and add about five new destinations are causing excitement among passengers and its operators. Several planned UR destinations have been on hold due …
Read More »Ethiopia pushes forward with a US$7 billion airport
Ethiopia is making a bold statement in global aviation with its US$7 billion airport project, reinforcing its position as Africa’s premier aviation hub. As Ethiopian Airlines expands its fleet, routes, and strategic partnerships, the country is shaping the future of air travel on the continent. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY …
Read More »Flight costs, visa headaches stagnating Africa’s domestic flight market
Uganda Airlines will continue to struggle without a domestic market COMMENT | WESLEY KAMBALE | In 2024, Africa’s domestic flight market was almost nonexistent, accounting for just 0.4% of the global domestic flight market (38.2%) and a mere 1.8% of the global international flight market (61.8%). This weak domestic market …
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