Uganda Airlines has announced plans to retire its fleet of Bombardier CRJ-900 regional jets, a move prompted by ongoing challenges in sourcing spare parts.
Chief executive officer Jenifer Bamuturaki disclosed the decision during a session with Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE). She explained that Bombardier stopped producing the CRJ after selling its commercial aircraft division to Mitsubishi, making spare parts increasingly scarce and costly.
The airline currently operates four CRJ-900LRs, which have served as the backbone of its regional routes since the company’s relaunch. Bamuturaki said the carrier is evaluating replacement aircraft that offer stronger manufacturer support and easier long-term maintenance.
Her remarks came as the Auditor General’s report for the 2023/24 financial year highlighted a loss of Shs 237.8 billion for the airline. While lower than the Shs 323 billion loss recorded the previous year, the figures have placed the national carrier under continued scrutiny.
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During the same parliamentary session, COSASE chairperson Medard Lubega Sseggona questioned the initial purchase of the CRJs, noting that Bombardier’s exit from commercial aviation was already in motion at the time. Bamuturaki attributed the decision to her predecessor, former CEO Ephraim Bagenda, and emphasized that the aircraft typically serve airlines for 10 to 12 years.
The Bombardier CRJ-900 carries 76 passengers in a two-class layout, with 12 seats in business class and 64 in economy. Uganda Airlines has used the jets for regional routes within Africa, connecting cities such as Nairobi, Juba, and Dar es Salaam.
For long-haul operations, the airline flies two Airbus A330-800neo aircraft. Management has also outlined plans to expand into domestic routes during the 2026/27 financial year.
