# Uganda Airlines Wet Leases Ethiopian Airlines 787 to Restore Long-Haul Service

_Mar 7 14:20_

Tags: Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines, route network, airline, safety & operations, new route

Uganda Airlines is wet leasing a Boeing 787-8 from Ethiopian Airlines to resume long-haul flights to London and Mumbai after grounding its A330neo fleet for unscheduled maintenance

## Summary

Uganda Airlines has suspended all long-haul operations after both of its Airbus A330-800neo aircraft were grounded for unscheduled maintenance. The plane with registration 5X-CRN last flew on January 12, 2026, and the plane with registration 5X-NIL last flew on February 19, 2026. To maintain service, the airline has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to wet lease a Boeing 787-8, effective March 7, 2026. This aircraft will operate three times weekly to London (Gatwick) and twice weekly to Mumbai. The move aims to preserve slot usage at London Gatwick and ensure operational continuity despite the fleet issues and ongoing financial losses

## Why it matters

Affects 2 airline programs (Ethiopian Airlines, Uganda Airlines).

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/uganda-airlines-grounds-a330neo-fleet-unscheduled-maintenance) — Odd: Uganda Airlines Grounds A330neo Fleet For “Unscheduled Maintenance”

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