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The landscape of sub-Saharan commercial aviation has recently transformed as the Ethiopian Airlines Group makes strides in expanding its regional footprint through the joint venture, Air Congo. This venture, founded in collaboration with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has seen significant advancements since its inception.
Air Congo officially commenced operations on December 2, 2024, with its inaugural flight departing from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The airline began its journey using a Boeing 737-860 registered as 9S-AOA. This aircraft was acquired new by the Ethiopian Airlines Group in April 2012 and had previously operated under Ethiopian registration ET-APK until November 2024. Notably, this plane had also been dry-leased to Congo Airways between April and October 2017. By the end of 2024, an additional Boeing 737-800, originally registered as ET-APF, joined the fleet as 9S-AGA, linking the bustling cities of Kinshasa and Lubumbashi.
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The year 2025 was characterized by a phase of stability, during which Air Congo’s fleet of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft was diligently maintained. Centering operations at Kinshasa N’Djili Airport, an array of domestic connections was established to enhance travel within the country. The fleet’s high utilization ensured frequent service across different routes.
A robust weekly schedule was in place, facilitating connectivity across the country:
In addition to these key routes, essential inter-city connections were developed between secondary hubs like Kisangani and Lubumbashi, ensuring that regional centers remained integrated into the national economy.
As 2026 began, Air Congo entered a new phase of growth marked by fleet and network expansion. A third aircraft, a Boeing 737-860 registered as ET-BCI, joined the fleet on February 19, 2026, enhancing operational capacity. After a thorough refurbishment, the aircraft flew its first commercial route the very next day, broadening the airline’s offerings.
On March 22, 2026, Air Congo dove into the international arena with a multi-stop service connecting Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Johannesburg. The inaugural flight marked a significant milestone, providing 462 seats weekly between these key destinations, despite competition from established carriers such as South African Airways and ASKY Airlines.
However, the most exciting development came in mid-2026 with the introduction of two state-of-the-art ATR 72-600 turboprops. These aircraft, originally intended for Brazilian airline Azul, were repainted in Air Congo’s colors and successfully delivered to Kinshasa in April. Their arrival represents a strategic shift toward improved regional services.
The first turboprop, ET-BCO, entered commercial service on May 4, 2026, facilitating regional flights that bypass directly through the capital. Utilizing the ATR fleet, Air Congo aims to enhance connectivity for smaller cities across its network.
The ATR 72-600 fleet is set to optimize several crucial domestic routes. Current deployments include:
With ambitions for continued expansion, the second turboprop aircraft, ET-BCM, is poised for entry into service shortly, further supporting domestic and regional travel needs.
This ambitious growth trajectory aligns with the Ethiopian Airlines Group’s strategy to enhance its multi-hub presence across Africa, driving improvements across the continent’s aviation infrastructure. The group operates a modern fleet of various aircraft, striving to cover increasing passenger demands while enhancing service connectivity on a regional scale.
Source: The post Air Congo Enhances Regional Network with New ATR 72-600 Turboprops from Europe by Ethiopian Airlines first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
