Routes selects 50 new air services set to start around the world in February 2022, looking at the planned frequency, start date and aircraft to be used.
The launch of a new national carrier for Uganda has been on the table for the last few years and was first reported by Routesonline back in July 2013 after a senior Ugandan Government Minister revealed at that year’s Routes Africa forum in Kampala that discussions have once again taken place over the resurrection of Uganda Airlines as an at least partially state-controlled national carrier to boost trade and tourism into the East African country.
Uganda’s ‘adopted’ airline planned to launch its Entebbe – Nairobi route on January 10, 2015 after it was granted 5th freedom rights by the Uganda CAA. However, delays securing slots at Jomo Kanyatta International Airport in Kenya's capital has delayed the launch.
African low-cost carrier fastjet has taken a significant step towards launching operations in Zambia after its new local business received an Air Service Permit (ASP) from the authorities in Zambia, while fifth freedom rights from Uganda will enable it to grow its network from Entebbe International Airport.
UAE national carrier, Etihad Airways, has revealed plans to launch its first passenger flights to Algiers, Edinburgh, Entebbe, Hong Kong, Kolkata and Madrid in the first half of 2015, while Brisbane will get its first non-stop flights using the carrier's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Etihad Cargo expects the service to carry large quantities of electronics and textiles to Entebbe, with primarily perishable goods destined for the Gulf region and Europe loaded for the return flight.