AIr Congo... expansion plans10 Dec 2024 09:59
Whatever we have been doing in the DRC,... it seems to be going well. Interestingtly--- they mention a new flying school in that article... perhaps we will have a role in training etc., associated with that?
"The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched its new national airline, Air Congo, with its inaugural flight on 1 December 2024. Born from a public-private partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, this ambitious initiative is a major step in revitalizing the nation’s civil aviation sector.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth
Air Congo operates under a model where the DRC government holds a 51% stake, and Ethiopian Airlines owns 49%, leveraging the experience and resources of Africa’s leading carrier. The airline commenced operations with one Boeing 737-800, with a second aircraft expected soon. Ethiopian Airlines has also committed to providing two aircraft for the initial six months, focusing on domestic routes before expanding regionally and internationally.
The fleet is projected to grow to eight Boeing 737s and two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, aiming to connect Kinshasa to regional hubs and international destinations, including Paris, Brussels, Dubai, Johannesburg, and Luanda. Ethiopian Airlines will further enhance the partnership by establishing a local flight school and a Boeing-certified maintenance facility, prioritizing local recruitment and skill development.
Current Operations and Future Expansion
Air Congo’s domestic network includes daily flights from Kinshasa to Lubumbashi, Goma, Kisangani, and Mbuji-Mayi, with additional routes to Kalemie and Kolwezi several times a week. By June 2025, the airline plans to operate six aircraft and expand its network to neighbouring countries and beyond. This strategic growth mirrors Ethiopian Airlines’ success in other regions, such as its West African subsidiary, Asky, based in Lomé, Togo."
https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/air-congo/air-congo-takes-off-reviving-aviation-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo/