Ethiopian Airlines Partners with DRC Government to Launch Air Congo

Addis Ababa, 17 December 2024

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest aviation group and a SKYTRAX certified Four Star Global Airline, is excited to announce partnering with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for the establishment of Air Congo. The DRC government will hold a 51% majority stake, while Ethiopian Airlines will retain 49% share, and 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. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the DRC government, all stakeholders, and my esteemed colleagues for their commitment and collaboration in making this partnership a success.”

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.

About Ethiopian

Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is one of the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-eight years of successful operations, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900, Airbus A350-1000 and De Havilland Q400. 

Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. Ethiopian has been champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for seven consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years.

For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com     

Email : CorporateCommunication@ethiopianairlines.com 

Contact : (251-11)517-8913/8165/8907