Uganda Airlines has announced plans to retire its fleet of Bombardier CRJ 900 regional jets, citing growing difficulties in sourcing spare parts for the aircraft.
The revelation was made by the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Jenifer Bamuturaki, during a meeting with Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).
According to Bamuturaki, the decision stems from the fact that Bombardier ceased production of the CRJ model after selling its commercial aircraft division to Mitsubishi. This move has created a scarcity of spare parts, making maintenance not only challenging but also increasingly costly for the government.
The phase-out will affect Uganda Airlines’ four CRJ 900s, which have served as the backbone of the carrier’s regional operations since its relaunch in 2019. Their retirement marks a significant shift in the airline’s strategy as it grapples with operational losses and seeks sustainable solutions for its fleet.
Industry analysts note that Uganda Airlines will now be faced with the urgent task of finding suitable replacements for the CRJs to ensure continuity of service on key regional routes.
The announcement comes at a time when the national carrier has already faced criticism over mounting losses, with the airline recently disclosing a 237 billion shilling deficit in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Uganda Airlines has yet to reveal its long-term fleet replacement strategy, but insiders suggest that larger, more versatile aircraft may be considered to boost efficiency and reduce maintenance challenges.
