Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest aviation group accounts for a 49 percent stake in Air Congo with DR Congo holding a 51 percent share, APA can report from Kinshasa.
Africa’s largest airline earlier this week announced partnering with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for the establishment of Air Congo.
Ethiopian Airlines will manage the airline.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew stated, “The launch of Air Congo is a significant step in our strategic plan to collaborate with African governments and enhance air transport across the continent. This partnership will provide greater connectivity for the DRC and Central Africa, facilitating investment, trade, and tourism, thereby contributing to socio-economic growth of the region”.
Air Congo’s operations began with two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, serving domestic markets, starting with seven airports within the DRC. Key technical agreements, including aircraft lease, comprehensive technical support, and systems support agreements have been signed between the two partners.
Ethiopian Airlines will also train Congolese nationals as pilots, cabin crew, sales and services staff, and
technicians.
This initiative aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to establish multiple hubs across Africa, complementing existing partnerships with ASKY Airlines in Lomé, Malawi Airlines in Lilongwe, and Zambia Airways in Lusaka.
Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brands globally and the continent’s largest.
In its seventy-eight years of operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, commanding the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network.
It also operates the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.
WN/as/APA