Following the recent announcement of the suspension of activities of Congo Airways, the only Congolese airline, it is now revealed that the company requires significant funding to restart its operations. According to the Director General of Congo Airways, Commander José Dubier Lueya, an amount of at least $33 million is needed to put the planes back into service.
The reason for the suspension of activities is linked to the condition of the aircraft engines. It was explained that the engines of the company’s two planes have reached the end of their cycle and must undergo a thorough overhaul in a specialized workshop. The cost to repair a used engine would be as high as $7 million, and two engines are required per plane, making a total of $14 million for the two planes.
Furthermore, for the third plane, it is suggested to purchase a second-hand plane which would cost at least $5 million. These aircraft repair and purchase costs, combined with the tax debts accumulated by the company which amount to nearly $30 million, make the relaunch of Congo Airways a significant financial challenge.
It is important to note that the airline is experiencing financial difficulties and cash flow is limited. The price of a new Airbus 320 plane is estimated at around $55 million, a considerable sum for the Congolese company.
In conclusion, it is clear that Congo Airways needs significant financing to be able to restart its activities. The cost of engine repairs and the purchase of a new used aircraft represent significant investments. It remains to be seen how the airline will be able to raise the necessary funds and resume operations in the near future.