Cargo exports continue to grow at Entebbe International Airport

Cargo exports at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda have continued to grow at an annual average of 26.3%, making it a logistical centre for perishable agricultural products, reports AllAfrica.com
This announcement follows Kenya Airways’ launch of its first fully owned cargo aircraft on the Entebbe route. The new Boeing B737-300 freighter jet, which touched down at Entebbe airport early this month, is the first of the four passenger aircraft, fully owned by the airline, which were identified for conversion into freighters in October 2012.
"As a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) Free Trade Area and the East African Community, Uganda needs Kenya Airways cargo services to tap into the growing trade volumes," said Sebaggala Mustafa Kigozi, executive director of the Uganda Manufacturers’ Association (UMA).
Chief operating officer for the airline, Mbuvi Ngunz, said: "Kenya Airways has a clear mission, which is to contribute in a tangible manner to the sustainable development of Africa. With the launch of freighter operations, we expect to move from carrying 60 000 tonnes of cargo in the passenger aircraft bellies to 160 000 tonnes in total." Under its 10-year growth plan, Kenya Airways plans to have 12 freighters in its fleet by 2022.