Air Congo Takes Flight: DRC Launches New National Airline
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially launched its new national airline, Air Congo, which celebrated its inaugural flight on December 1, 2024.
This initiative, resulting from a public-private partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, marks a significant advancement in revitalizing the country’s civil aviation sector. Air Congo operates with a structure where the DRC government holds a 51% stake and Ethiopian Airlines owns 49%, utilizing the expertise and resources of Africa’s leading airline. The airline began operations with a single Boeing 737-800, with a second aircraft anticipated shortly.
Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines has pledged to provide two aircraft for the first six months of operations, initially focusing on domestic routes before expanding regionally and internationally. The airline’s fleet is expected to grow to eight Boeing 737s and two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with plans to connect Kinshasa to various regional hubs and international destinations, including Paris, Brussels, Dubai, Johannesburg, and Luanda.
To further strengthen this partnership, Ethiopian Airlines will establish a local flight training school and a Boeing-certified maintenance facility, emphasizing local hiring and skills development. Air Congo’s domestic service includes daily flights from Kinshasa to Lubumbashi, Goma, Kisangani, and Mbuji-Mayi, with additional weekly routes to Kalemie and Kolwezi.
By June 2025, the airline aims to operate six aircraft and broaden its network to include neighboring countries and beyond. This strategic expansion mirrors Ethiopian Airlines’ successful operations in other regions, such as its West African subsidiary, Asky, based in Lomé, Togo.
However, the emergence of Air Congo has raised questions regarding its competition with Congo Airways, another state-backed airline that resumed operations in November following a hiatus. Vice-Prime Minister and Transport Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo reassured that both airlines can coexist, given the DRC’s extensive market of 53 potential destinations. Air Congo aims to establish itself as a key player in the region, while Congo Airways continues its restructuring efforts.
The launch of Air Congo aligns with President Félix Tshisekedi’s vision to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth. Partnering with Ethiopian Airlines allows the DRC to access a proven aviation framework, advanced training programs, and modern maintenance capabilities. This collaboration is expected to foster increased competition on domestic routes, reduce dependence on private operators, and position Kinshasa as a central hub in Africa. While the airline’s debut has been met with enthusiasm, it also faces challenges, including the need to improve airport infrastructure and address aviation safety issues. Nonetheless, Air Congo’s strategic approach positions it well to meet the rising demand for air travel in the DRC while enhancing its integration into global aviation networks. With ambitious objectives and a robust partnership, Air Congo heralds a new era in the DRC’s aviation landscape, promising improved connectivity, local economic growth, and a significant role in the region’s air transport industry.
Originally Published at TRAVELNEWSAFRICA
