Under the agreement, the DRC Government holds a 51% majority stake, while Ethiopian Airlines retains a 49% share and assumes management control.
The partnership includes agreements for aircraft leasing, comprehensive technical support, and staff training, ensuring Air Congo's operations adhere to international standards.
President Félix Tshisekedi officially inaugurated Air Congo at Kinshasa's N'Djili International Airport.
Air Congo launched operations with two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, initially serving seven domestic airports, including Lubumbashi, Goma, Kisangani, Kolwezi, Kalemie, and Mbuji-Mayi.
The airline plans to expand its fleet with four additional Boeing 737-800s within a year and two more over the next two years, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Jean-Pierre Bemba during the launch ceremony.
According to Ethiopian Airlines, the phased growth aligns with its Vision 2035 strategy to establish multiple hubs across Africa, complementing its existing partnerships with ASKY Airlines, Malawi Airlines, and Zambia Airways.
Speaking at the event, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted the airline's track record of successful partnerships in Africa, citing collaborations with Togo and Malawi that have advanced the continent's aviation industry.
The partnership also focuses on capacity building. Ethiopian Airlines will train Congolese nationals as pilots, cabin crew, technicians, and sales staff, ensuring that Air Congo's workforce is equipped with internationally recognized skills.
Additionally, the airline plans to organize regular, secure, and punctual domestic flights, improve airport facilities, and introduce inter-provincial cargo services, enhancing the country's transportation infrastructure.
The partnership is part of the Congolese government's strategy to address challenges in its aviation sector.
In September 2024, Congo Airways, the country's previous national airline, was stripped of its air transport license due to a lack of operational aircraft.
The DRC Government had faced difficulties in reviving Congo Airways, which was down to a single leased aircraft with an expiring lease. Plans to restructure the airline, including acquiring new Airbus A320 aircraft, had stalled due to funding constraints.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/business/article/ethiopian-airlines-to-manage-air-congo-in-new-partnership
