The Board of Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) listened to presentations from seven applicants seeking Air Service Licenses (ASLs) in a public hearing held in Kampala.
Among these applicants were Uganda Airlines, Kush Air, DHL Aviation (K) Ltd, Kampala Executive Aviation, and Mission Aviation Fellowship, all seeking renewal of their licenses. Additionally, Aero Maintenance Company Ltd applied for a new license to operate non-scheduled passenger and cargo services, while Eagle Air Ltd applied for Aerial Work (Aerial Survey and Photography).
The Chairperson of the UCAA Board, Justice Steven Kavuma, emphasized the importance of the licensing process in ensuring the development of air services in Uganda. He noted that the applications were advertised in the media, and a public hearing was held to allow stakeholders to participate in the decision-making process.
Currently, Uganda has 26 licensed air operators offering various services, including scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo flights, private flights, training, and aerial works. Justice Kavuma highlighted the country’s bilateral agreements with 56 countries for scheduled international air services, facilitating operations by 16 international airlines to and from Entebbe International Airport.
Uganda Airlines, which now serves 13 destinations, including Dubai, Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Mumbai, defended its ASL renewal for international scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services. CEO Jennifer Bamuturaki outlined the airline’s efforts to enhance passenger experience and cargo transportation, including implementing systems for informing passengers of changes and improving customer relationship management.
The airline’s head of quality, Mr. Michael Kaliisa, emphasized Uganda Airlines’ role in facilitating exports, particularly of fruits and vegetables. He highlighted the airline’s transportation of over 1,923 metric tonnes of cargo since October 2021 and its collaboration with stakeholders to meet global quality standards for cargo exports.
In addition to the licensing process, UCAA Deputy Director General Olive Birungi Lumonya highlighted Uganda’s recent achievements in aviation, including improvements in safety performance and successful hosting of international summits. She also mentioned ongoing efforts to review the Entebbe International Airport Master Plan to accommodate future traffic demands and enhance passenger experience.
Following the hearing, the UCAA Board is expected to provide feedback to the ASL applicants within 30 days, contributing to the continued development and regulation of air services in Uganda.
