(Posted 27th June 2024)
Uganda Airlines has so far invested UGX 120 billion in local contracts, working with 200 suppliers to support the quality and capacity of local businesses. In alignment with its commitment to promoting local content onboard, Uganda Airlines hosted a supplier forum on June 26, 2024, at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. The event, themed “Harnessing Supply Opportunities to Drive Procurement Excellence,” began at 8:00 AM and featured esteemed panelists including Mrs. Patricia Ejalu from UNBS, Dr. Byaruhanga Aloysius from PPDA, Simon Paul Ngabo from UIA, and Michael Kalisa, the Quality Manager from Uganda Airlines.
The panelists addressed critical topics such as standards and quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and the airline’s supply chain requirements. These discussions provided suppliers with valuable insights into Uganda Airlines’ expectations and needs, fostering a better understanding and paving the way for potential collaborations.
Uganda Airlines’ CEO Ms. Jennifer Bamuturaki also addressed the forum and imparted guidance how local Ugandan businesses can benefit from supplying the carrier with goods and services. Above YouTube clip gives prominence to the airline’s desire to source supplies, goods and services locally to fully benefit the Ugandan economy.
The forum also included networking opportunities, workshops, and presentations on industry trends and best practices. Suppliers showcased their products and services, facilitating direct interactions with Uganda Airlines representatives and other participants, aimed at strengthening business relationships and exploring new opportunities.
Meanwhile has information been received, attributed to the Ugandan High Commission in the UK, that a top level delegation was recently in London to finalise arrangements towards the launch of direct flights from Entebbe to London.
Landing rights at Heathrow were already secured some two plus years ago but various changes, including the UK’s leaving the EU and subsequent return to British aviation safety and security regulations made it then necessary to undergo a fresh security assessment for Entebbe International Airport. This process has now been successfully concluded, leaving only logistical and marketing issues to be resolved before an official date can be named for the inaugural flight.
A similar process with EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency, will be an easier one as two European airlines are already flying to Entebbe.
Data available show that over 80.000 travellers came to Uganda from the UK, making the London – Entebbe route on for the picking of the airline offering direct flights and avoiding time consuming detours via the hubs of other airlines, be it in Europe – such as Brussels or Amsterdam = Turkey, Egypt, Qatar or Dubai.
It is expected that while the airline may not start off with daily services but offer an initial three or four flights a week, will the ultimate aim be to have a daily service between Uganda and the UK for the benefit of tourism and trade.
ATCNews will inform readers when a date has been set.
