Uganda Airlines’ Maintenance Team Conducts First In-House Engine Swap

Uganda Airlines reported on Aug. 26 that its Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) successfully completed its first in-house engine change on a Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft (5X-KNP) at its base in Entebbe.

 

The government of Uganda confirmed that the operation was carried out entirely by Uganda Airlines' AMO team, which received formal approval from the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) in March 2024.

 

The maintenance involved replacing the aircraft's left-hand General Electric CF34-8C5 engine with a new spare, while the removed engine will be sent to manufacturer-approved facilities for overhaul before being reinstalled on the right-hand side of the plane.

 

During a media briefing, Uganda Airlines CEO Jenifer Bamuturaki says the milestone is proof of the AMO's technical depth and growing independence.

 

"This accomplishment highlights our capability to manage critical aspects of aircraft maintenance in-house while meeting the highest safety and regulatory standards," she says.

 

Bamuturaki adds that performing the engine change internally saves the airline hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to sending the aircraft abroad. She also emphasizes that the turnaround time was significantly reduced, with the CRJ900 returning to service in just five days.

 

The milestone comes as Uganda Airlines prepares to mark its sixth anniversary on Aug. 28, 2025. The carrier has been expanding its network and fleet in recent years, including the launch of flights between Entebbe and London Gatwick in May using an Airbus A330-800—which had been a major aspiration since the carrier was launched in 2019.

 

Bamuturaki also confirms the carrier has secured government approval to negotiate orders with Airbus to acquire two A320neos and two A321neos for delivery in 2031-33.

 

Currently, Uganda Airlines operates two 258-seat A330-800s and four 76-seat CRJ900s.