[ad_1]
Uganda has become the only customer of the Airbus A330-800 New Engine Option (Neo) series, which has seen virtually zero demand from airlines around the world since its launch in July 2014
The airlines said they signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for two A330-800 worth $ 586 million, providing a parallel between the two entities that helped each other to revive their business plans.
Ephraim Bagenda, chief executive officer of Uganda Airlines, and Eric Schulz, commercial director of Airbus, at the biennial aviation show of Farnborough in the United Kingdom.
Agreement renews hope for Airbus, which lost an order for six A330-800s by Hawaiian Airlines in March The carrier canceled orders in favor of the Boeing 787-900
"This agreement demonstrates our ambition for economic growth supported by a robust aerospace industry.The A330-800 Neo combines low operating costs, long-range flying capability and a high level of We look forward to launching operations and offering our customers the best service in their clbad, "said Mr. Bagenda.
The Airbus A330-800 Neo lost four orders from TransAsia Airlines in addition to Hawaiian Airlines.However, the A330-900 series of Airbus has had more than 210 orders.
The A330-800 flies longer and with less fuel than the A330-900, but the A330-900 carries 50 more pbadengers and has a [19659002] "We are delighted to welcome Uganda Airlines among our A330 Neo customers. The A330 Neo will bring a range of benefits, offering unmatched efficiency combined with the most modern cabin. We look forward to seeing the A330-800 Neo flying under the colors of Uganda, "said Mr. Schulz.
For Uganda, the delivery of the two aircraft can not be before 2020, given that the aircraft is still in its development phase, putting its transcontinental plans in perspective
The first flight test of the Airbus A330-800 Neo was scheduled for mid-2018, but it could be postponed to later in the year. [Uganda9008]
Uganda Airlines also placed a firm order for four Canadair Regional Jet 900 (CRJ 900) series, in rounding up its aircraft orders to $ 776 million and expressing the strongest intention for three years since Kampala announced plans to revive a national airline founded in 2001.
She now joins Air Tanzania, RwandAir and Kenya Jambojet as transport the Bombardier-C series for short routes in the region.
"We commend Uganda for reviving its national flag carrier, and are delighted that the new airline has chosen Bombardier and the CRJ900 regional aircraft for its upcoming debut." We look forward to supporting the development of Uganda's regional air transport with these jets, "said Jean-Paul Boutibou, vice president of sales for the Middle East and Africa at Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. The EastAfrican .
These routes will be supplemented by three national highways and an equal number of short and long term international destinations.
No data available delivery was announced for the 900 CRJs that were purchased at $ 190 million, but the business plan indicates the first quarter of 2019 for the start of regional operations. [19659002] The A330s are expected in December 2020, with provisional entry into service in early 2021.
The international route network will include London, Mumbai and a point on the Chinese mainland.
Ac According to the plan, the breakeven point on regional roads, which will represent 60% of revenues, is planned for the fourth year.
The operational break-even point is 64% for regional roads, and 80% for international routes
Ambitious plans also provide for the carrier to be responsible for a quarter of the pbadenger 1 , 6 million pbadengers from Uganda the first year, gradually increasing as new capabilities become available.
The domestic market of 15,000 pbadengers per year will be served by partnerships with existing national airlines.
Uganda Airlines, which will buy the A330 at $ 293 million each, has asked its sole shareholder, the government, of $ 70 million in four installments over the next three years [19659002] The $ 313 million required for aircraft purchases and spare parts will then be funded by a 10-year senior loan and a junior loan The loan will be borrowed at a rate of interest of 5% using the credit of a combination of banks, private equity firms, international financial lenders of aircraft, lenders, government bonds, loans to the company. 39 export.
According to the justification of the fleet management plan, the purchase was chosen by leasing because the latter would be more expensive.
"The leasing options were reviewed and several key issues were noted.In particular, the lease costs compared to the purchase of new and used aircraft. opportunity were evaluated.
"Leases available for short durations are" leases "(aircraft and crew rentals), which are According to the project team, dry aircraft leases are generally available for used aircraft, with occupancy periods of at least five years.
For new aircraft, leases are available for leases from seven years of age or older. The team estimated that the costs badociated with long-term leases "would put a brake on cash flow and hinder the growth of the national airline."
"The business plan and the implementation recommends that the main fleet be used regional and international networks should be purchased to allow the accumulation of equity in the airline, as opposed to the lease, which works to the benefit of the lessors of aircraft, "said the team
. including a revision of the existing rights Fifth Freedom issued by the Government, the allocation of offices in national airports as well as an overflight exemption, air navigation, landing, self-help, parking, pbadenger services, airport and other fees for 10 years of operation.
Source link
