Amidst unpredictable flight delays and logistical issues, Uganda Airlines has revealed a bold intention to double the number of crew members in its airline. This announcement paints a vivid picture of an airline on the verge of a transformative journey.
The announcement was made by the airline’s Director of Flight Operations, Mr. David Kaweesa, at a news conference held in the elegant Munyonyo in Kampala.
With a flair for the dramatic, he declared that the airline’s ambitious expansion ambitions are far too big for the current crew strength, which consists of just 13 pairs of first officers and 13 pairs of captains.
With an urgency that reverberated around the briefing room, Mr. Kaweesa declared, “We must embark on a mission to boost our crew numbers to at least 24 pairs of captains and 24 pairs of first officers if we are to achieve the lofty heights of our flight and revenue targets.”
Putting its cards on the table, the airline acknowledged that it had cut the number of flights it operated on important routes like Nairobi and Juba, going from three daily flights to just two. A further layer of mystery was given by the CEO, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki, who hinted that these reductions were calculated steps to guarantee regulatory compliance.
“We have to adhere to the laws as they are. She said, “We cannot overwork our hardworking crew members,” highlighting the requirement for an adequate number of captains and first officers to enable the introduction of new routes.
But the turbulent voyage of the airline doesn’t end with fewer flights. In a shocking admission, Ms. Bamuturaki revealed that there had been previous cases of planes being canceled or delayed, especially during busy times like last December. The cause? a valiant effort to keep safe operating margins during crew rest intervals.
“We had the aircraft, but we lacked pilots.” She admitted, shocking the audience, “Scheduling sacrifices became imperative to avoid bursting safety margins with the available crew roster, resulting in flight delays or postponements.”
Mr. Kaweesa vigorously defended the airline’s procedures, dismissing claims that claimed crew members were overworked. He did this by pointing out that internal controls and strict regulations forbade crew members from working for more than five days in a row.
Uganda Airlines declared a search for first captains in order to fill the severe crew shortage. But Mr. Kaweesa presented a somber picture of the difficulties encountered, stating that only four of the 67 applications were successful.
“Obtaining captains is difficult when numerous airlines are vying for a limited supply. We need to interview candidates thoroughly in order to fill that void, he said, alluding to the fierce rivalry for experienced pilots.
Uganda Airlines is unwavering in its goals despite the choppy skies. The airline, which had earlier stated that it intended to start new routes, now admits that delays in planned expansions into London, Guangzhou, Jeddah, Riyadh, Abuja, and Lusaka are the result of a staffing shortage.
There is a gleam of light for the struggling airline amid the tempest. Uganda Airlines sees this cash influx as the lifeline necessary to meet revenue targets and strengthen its competitive advantage. The airline hopes to collect a staggering Shs120 billion in the next fiscal year.
Setting the setting, the airline readies itself for a tumultuous but potentially revolutionary voyage into the world of extended routes and elevated aspirations.
