KAMPALA – The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority has issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Uganda Airlines in what the airline describes as the “biggest milestone” towards the start of its commercial flights.
Government revived the Uganda National Airlines that was established in 1977, but ceased operations in 2001.
This year in April, two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft were purchased from Canada at Shs 280bn – with more aircraft expected into the country to make up the six-aeroplane fleet.
It was expected that the airline would start operations in July.
An airline cannot operate without the AIC.
Following unmet deadlines, the first flights are expected to take off in late August.
Mr. Vianney Luggya, the Manager Public Affairs at UCAA who was attending another event by press time confirmed to us that the Air Operator Certificate was issued.
Mr. Luggya said he would share with us more details later.
On top of the the AOC, the airline must secure foreign air operator permits and licenses from destination countries before it can fly.
Some of the first planned destinations according to Transport Minister Monica Azuba include Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa with Ethiopia, Rwanda and Sudan expected to be added later with the arrival of two more aircraft in September.
