Uganda Airlines has placed the first commitment for the Airbus A330-800 since the backlog for the variant was wiped out when its only customers cancelled their orders.

Airbus lost is sole remaining customer for the -800 variant when Hawaiian Airlines axed its agreement for six earlier this year.

But Uganda Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding to take two of the re-engined twinjets, which are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000s.

Airbus says the agreement was signed at the Farnborough air show by the carrier’s chief executive, Ephraim Bagenda.

Uganda Airlines will configure the aircraft in three classes with 20 business-class, 28 premium-economy, and 213 economy-class seats. Bagenda highlights the -800’s long range capability as having contributed to the selection.

Airbus has yet to begin the certification campaign for the -800, which is set to conduct its maiden flight later this year.

Get all the coverage from the Farnborough air show on our dedicated event page

Source: Cirium Dashboard