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Congo Airways Fleet Reduced to Zero, Air Congo SA Takes Off Congo Airways Fleet Reduced to Zero, Air Congo SA Takes Off

African travel professionals should be aware of significant changes in Congo's aviation landscape. Congo Airways has ceased operations, while the new Air Congo SA, partnered with Ethiopian Airlines, prepares to take flight. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for the African travel market.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national carrier, Congo Airways, has once again halted operations. The airline returned its last operational aircraft, a leased Boeing 737, to Lithuanian lessor KlasJet on April 13th. This action effectively grounds the airline, ending a brief operational restart initiated in November 2024 with two leased aircraft.

The airline’s owned fleet, comprising two Airbus A320s and two Bombardier Dash 8-Q400s, remains grounded due to various issues. Adding to the complexity, one of the Q400s was seized and subsequently sold at auction in Malta to settle outstanding debts. This unfortunate series of events underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Congo Airways and the volatile nature of the region’s aviation sector.

In response to this instability, the Congolese government is placing its focus on Air Congo SA, a newly established national airline. Born from a strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, Air Congo SA is poised to revitalize the nation’s air connectivity. This collaboration brings the expertise and stability of Ethiopian Airlines, a major player in African aviation, to the forefront of Congo’s travel resurgence.

This transition presents a significant development for African travel agents specializing in the region. The emergence of Air Congo SA, backed by Ethiopian Airlines, offers a new avenue for travel to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Agents should closely monitor the development of Air Congo SA’s routes, services, and partnerships to best serve their clients’ travel needs.

While the grounding of Congo Airways presents a temporary disruption, the long-term outlook for Congolese air travel appears positive. The partnership with Ethiopian Airlines promises improved reliability and connectivity, potentially opening up new opportunities for tourism and business travel within the region. African travel professionals are encouraged to stay informed about these developments and adapt their offerings accordingly.

The collaboration between Air Congo SA and Ethiopian Airlines could also lead to enhanced regional travel connections. This synergy may facilitate easier travel between the Democratic Republic of Congo and other destinations within Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network. Such expanded connectivity could significantly benefit African travel agents by simplifying travel arrangements and offering more comprehensive travel packages.

The situation with Congo Airways and the launch of Air Congo SA highlight the dynamic nature of the African aviation market. Travel agents operating in this space must remain adaptable and informed to navigate these changes effectively. By staying abreast of these developments, they can leverage new opportunities and continue to provide valuable services to their clients.