Less than 18 months after its launch, Air Congo, the fast-growing Democratic Republic of Congo carrier, is pressing ahead with aggressive fleet growth and international expansion, highlighted by the imminent delivery of its first ATR 72-600 turboprop and plans to launch nonstop flights to Brussels in July.
The DRC Ministry of Transport announced on April 27 that the first 70-seat ATR 72-600 was expected to arrive on April 30, with the second aircraft following shortly. Both aircraft, ET-BCM, MSN 1719, and ET-BCO, MSN 1723, leased from Ethiopian Airlines via lessor Abelo, had already reached Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines placed an order for the two new ATR 72-600s on behalf of Air Congo in November 2025 at the Dubai Airshow. The aircraft were originally expected to enter service in February 2026, though deliveries slipped due to manufacturer testing and other factors.
DRC Vice Prime Minister and Transport Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba met with Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele and Air Congo Director General Mesfin Biru Weldegeorgis in Kinshasa to discuss the two key pillars of Air Congo’s growth strategy: strengthening the domestic fleet with the incoming ATR 72-600s and accelerating international expansion. Participants specifically addressed the planned launch of Kinshasa-Brussels service starting in July 2026. The route is currently served by Brussels Airlines with an Airbus A330 aircraft.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national carrier, a 51%-state-owned joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines (49%), was launched in December 2024 with two Boeing 737-800s provided by its Ethiopian partner. It quickly expanded its domestic network, now serving nearly 10 cities, including Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi, Kisangani, Kananga, Mbandaka, and Gemena. The two turboprops will be deployed primarily on domestic routes to improve connectivity to remote regions across the vast country.
By March 2026, Air Congo had already begun its international rollout, announcing several African destinations using Boeing 737-800 aircraft under Ethiopian Airlines’ ET flight designator codes. The routes included Johannesburg (via Lubumbashi), Entebbe, Douala, Cotonou, and Dar es Salaam.
The partnership with Ethiopian Airlines continues to underpin Air Congo’s fast-paced development, providing technical expertise, aircraft leasing, and operational support. Longer-term plans include growing the fleet to eight aircraft, with additional Boeing 737s and eventual introduction of widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 787 to support long-haul operations to Europe and other intercontinental destinations.
The rapid rise of Air Congo also comes as the fully state-owned Congo Airways has remained grounded for much of 2026 due to operational challenges, positioning the newer carrier as the country’s primary active national airline.
