**A New Era for Air Transport in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Air Congo Takes Flight**
December 17 will go down in the annals of Congolese aviation with the inauguration of the national airline Air Congo by President Félix Tshisekedi himself at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa. This historic event symbolises much more than a simple inaugural act, it marks the beginning of a new era for air transport in the country.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Jean-Pierre Bemba expressed his ambitious vision for Air Congo, describing it as a symbol of reliability, safety and modernity for the Democratic Republic of Congo. This vision is supported by a strategic public-private partnership, with Ethiopian Airlines holding a 49% stake.
The launch of the airline with two aircraft marks just the beginning of a rapid expansion. Indeed, Air Congo plans to acquire eight Boeing 737s and two Dreamliners (787s) in the next two years to serve domestic, regional and international destinations. These destinations include key cities such as Brussels, Paris, Dubai, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Lomé, Abidjan and Luanda.
This initiative marks a major turning point for the Congolese aviation industry, offering new opportunities for economic development, regional connectivity and sustainable job creation for Congolese citizens. The government’s stated commitment to strengthening the country’s aviation infrastructure strengthens the position of Congolese aviation on the regional and international scene.
In these times of globalization and increased connectivity, the launch of Air Congo is a testament to the Congolese government’s progressive vision and commitment to a modern, safe and competitive aviation sector. This new chapter in the history of Congolese aviation opens the door to a promising and dynamic future for air transport in the Democratic Republic of Congo.