Uganda Airlines Says Shs85bn Allocation Is For Its Operations Not CRJ Engine

Uganda Airlines claims the Shs85 billion allocation is for its operations rather than the CRJ engine.

Uganda Airlines has denied media claims that it is seeking Shs85 billion to purchase a new CRJ90 engine (Bombardier engine).

In a conversation with this website, Rahim Shakila Lamar, the Corporate Affairs & Public Relations Manager of Uganda Airlines, emphasized that the Shs85 billion Uganda Airlines was requesting Parliament to approve was the annual funding from Government for National Carrier operations, not the engine.

“The cost of the CRJ engine is roughly USD 7.5 million (approximately UShs26 billion), which is a fraction of the UShs85 billion budget,” Shakila said.

She further noted that the engine is designed to be a reserve so that in case one fails, it is changed instantly without creating interruptions, which is an industry standard.

“Otherwise, if the CRJ is in AOG (Aircraft on Ground) mode due to engine failure, we may be grounded for some time while in the line waiting, resulting in delays, cancellation of flights, and loss of charter business,” Shakila noted, adding, “This would entail loss of revenue.”

She went on to say that aircraft engine failure may occur as a result of foreign item damage or bird attacks, and that restoring the damaged engine is expensive and time-consuming.

“Engine failures cannot be regulated owing to the fleet’s unpredictable environment,” Shakila said, adding that if the engine is not in reserve, it may create interruptions in the airline’s operations.