After a successful inaugural flight to Nairobi on Tuesday, Uganda Airlines made it’s first two commercial flights to Jommo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and Juba in South Sudan on Wednesday.
Flght number UR202 left the ground at Entebbe run way at exactly 6:13am and touched ground at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 7:00am. This flight was 5 minutes ahead of schedule.
Captain Charles Karabarinde the Pilot in Command on flight UR202 was assisted by Senior Flight Officer Chotum Dennis.
The inaugural commercial flight to Nairobi had 15 souls on it. Eight of these were fully paid passengers and seven staff.
The first commercial passengers on board were NOTU Chairman General Usher Wilson Owere and his wife Evelyn Owere, Peter Ssenkungu, Kwezi Tabaro, Kasigazi Joseph, Gyagenda Semakula, Olive Nakatudde and Alon Mwesigwa both journalists at Uganda Radio Network.
The crew members were Cheboy Rashid and Tina Drazu both first officers in training, Asiimwe Neema the flight in charge and two cabin attendants; Johnson Mugume and Kasemire Roni.
The 76 seater CRJ900 Bombardier was accorded an official welcome as it touched the ground.
All passengers paid between $275 and $302 for economy class. The airlines rated for this route is deemed to be the cheapest in the region.
The experience of all passengers seemed like that of a first time traveler.
According to Capitan Karabarinde, Uganda Airlines will do its best to serve and satisfy Ugandans and all passengers. “All we need is the support of every Uganda. This is our baby whom we need to nurture together and grow into a global competitor” he said.
The cuisine on board was all Ugandan. Passengers were served Ugandan teas and coffees, Wavah Water, Jesa yoghurt, bread and Lato butter of the Pearl Diary Farm.
“We thank you all for flying with us to Juba and hope to see you again soon” said Captain Charles Karabarinde who flew the Aircraft to Juba this morning also spoke to journalists from South Sudan.