Cornwell Muleya – Chief Executive Officer Uganda Airlines
This resumption followed a decision by the Government of Uganda to re-open Entebbe International Airport to scheduled commercial operations.
Entebbe International Airport is the hub for the national carrier.
The Airline restarted its services with four destinations namely Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Juba and Mogadishu. Other previously served destinations like Bujumbura, Kilimanjaro, Mombasa and Zanzibar will be added later.
The event was held at the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport and hosted by top management of Uganda Airlines which included; Cornwell Muleya CEO, Ahabwe Pereza the Chairman Board of Directors, Roger Wamara the Commercial Director, Harvey Kalama the Manager Ground Operations and Peggy Macharia Country Manager Kenya who was also the emcee for the relaunch.
Guest of Honor were Abderahmane Berthe the Secretary General of African Airline Association, Capt. Gilbert Kibe Director General of Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and Agnes Muchua CEO of Kenya Association of Travel Agents and Ambassador Nathan Ndoboli Uganda Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya.
The event was well attended by Uganda Airline Partners and members of the media.
Agnes Muchua CEO of KATA, during her opening remarks said that it was an exciting day and that the relaunch is a time for joy, new hope and high expectations. “We are happy to once again hear the roaring of the runway”. She said that during a recent survey Uganda was voted number one country to travel to as a regional destination. She further remarked that the resumption of Uganda Airlines will propel movement and trade and a way to discover the continent. Finally she pledged KATA’s 100% support and congratulated Uganda Airlines for becoming an IATA member.
Abderahmane Berthe the Secretary General of AFRAA thanked both the Kenya and Uganda governments for opening their borders. He praised Uganda Airline for reaching a milestone so far with Inter Africa Connectivity and was happy with the health and safety measured put in place by the airline. AFRAA was formed in 1968 with their mandate to support the African Airline industry through financial support, cooperation and collaboration between airlines, Training and Capacity building and avail consultation. He emphasized that technology played an important role in the airline industry and at the same time saves cost. In his closing remarks he wished Uganda Airlines all the success.
Capt. Gilbert Kibe Director General of Kenya Civil Aviation Authority congratulated Uganda Airlines on the relaunch of its scheduled flights to Nairobi and said “Welcome Back Home”. “We Have Missed You” He said that aviation and opening up of airspace was important for growth and development of both the countries and that it compliments rather than compete as it benefits both. He further said “Thank you for choosing Nairobi as your first destination as you resume your flight” and encouraged the airline to continue growing its networks.
Cornwell Muleya, the CEO Uganda Airlines in his opening remarks thanked the support of the media and said they play an important role through news. He thanked the Kenya government for welcoming the airline, “We have been grounded for six months but we are now ready to reclaim the skies, airports and connections”. He appreciated the shareholders support during the crisis and that they were now standing on fair ground.
He mentioned that plans for the Africa network expansion will continue and they plan to launch scheduled operations to Johannesburg, Kinshasa, Harare and Lusaka in the coming months and addition of two A330 by December 2020. He further empathized that Uganda Airlines commits to keeping passengers safe and healthy, through strict adherence to approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and compliance with national and international guidelines for safe air travel in light of COVID-19.
Cornwell said in his closing remarks that Uganda Airlines looks forward to welcoming travelers on board once again and that the platforms were now open for booking. Clients can book online – www.ugandairlines.com; or at any of the Uganda Airlines’ offices, or preferred travel agents.
Office addresses and contact details are as follows;
Kampala – Victoria University Towers, Jinja road; Tel: +256 200 406400; reservations@ugandairlines.com
Entebbe Airport – 2nd floor Airport terminal building, Tel: +256 200 406420; Email: ebbticketing@ugandairlines.com
Entebbe Town – Victoria Mall, Berkeley road Tel: +256 200 406464; Email: ebbsales@ugandairlines.com
Nairobi, Kenya – Terminal 1C JKIA Airport, Tel: +254 707 900777; Email: nbo.reservations@ugandairlines.com
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Viva Towers, Ali Hassan Mwinyi rd, Tel: +255 764 111983; dar.reservations@ugandairlines.com
Juba, South Sudan – Sadeco Building, airport road; Tel: +211 928 900500; Email: sales.juba@ugandairlines.com
Fly the Crane to the Pearl of Africa
