The Ethiopian Airlines Air Congo partnership marks a key development in Africa aviation news, as Air Congo commenced operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in December 2024 through a joint venture between Ethiopian Airlines and the Congolese government. In this collaboration, the DRC government holds 51% ownership, while Ethiopian Airlines retains 49% and manages airline operations, providing strategic, operational, and technical expertise to bolster domestic air connectivity within the vast Central African nation. This partnership was publicly announced by Ethiopian Airlines Group in December 2024 and widely reported across industry publications and press releases.
Under the Ethiopian Airlines Air Congo partnership, the airline launched with two Boeing 737-800 aircraft serving seven domestic airports across the DRC, aiming to modernize the country’s internal air travel infrastructure and improve access to remote regions. Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Mesfin Tasew highlighted that this collaboration is part of the airline’s Vision 2035 strategy, which promotes strong joint ventures with African states to enhance connectivity and economic growth on the continent.
Why This Matters to the African Aviation Industry
The DRC’s geography, over 2.3 million square kilometers with limited road infrastructure, makes air connectivity essential. The Ethiopian Airlines Air Congo partnership directly addresses this by introducing structured route planning, technical support, and enhanced service reliability, which are key to overcoming historical challenges in domestic air travel within the DRC. This initiative aligns with broader industry goals to strengthen intra-African connectivity and mobility as promoted by aviation stakeholders.
Transparent Source Attribution and Verifiable Facts
Ownership & Governance
The national carrier Air Congo is structured as a joint venture:
- DRC government: 51% majority stake
- Ethiopian Airlines: 49% and operational management responsibilities
This share structure was confirmed through the official Ethiopian Airlines press release and multiple reporting outlets.
Operational Launch
Air Congo began operations in December 2024 with two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, flying domestic routes. This launch was reported by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) and corroborated by Aviation Week and TravelDailyNews.
Strategic Rationale
Ethiopian’s Group CEO described the partnership as part of the airline’s strategic plan to expand its presence across Africa, enhance regional connectivity, and foster socio-economic development through air travel.
Aircraft & Expansion
In late 2025, Ethiopian Airlines leased two ATR 72-600 regional aircraft to support Air Congo operations, targeting improved connectivity to remote airports and reinforcing domestic service capacity.
Industry and Regional Context
The Ethiopian Airlines Air Congo partnership is part of a broader expansion strategy where Ethiopian collaborates with other African states to establish reliable flag carriers, similar to roles it plays in partnerships with ASKY Airlines, Malawi Airlines, and Zambia Airways. Ethiopian’s approach includes training local personnel (pilots, cabin crew, technicians) and providing ongoing technical and operational support.
The initiative also enhances economic prospects within the DRC by improving access for trade, tourism, and business travel, creating jobs, and supporting supply chains within national borders.
Aircraft and Connectivity Developments
- Boeing 737-800 fleet: Instrumental in initial operations connecting major DRC cities.
- ATR 72-600 aircraft: Leased for deployment beginning early 2026, expanding service reach to smaller and remote airports within the country.
What’s Next: Outlook for Ethiopian Airlines Air Congo Partnership
Looking ahead, the partnership is expected to:
- Expand route frequency and network reach across domestic hubs
- Continue capacity building with local workforce training
- Explore regional connections beyond domestic services, potentially integrating with broader Central African networks
- Serve as a model for strategic aviation joint ventures within Africa
Sources
- Ethiopian Airlines Group — Air Congo Joint Venture Announcement :- Official confirmation of ownership structure, launch date, fleet, and Ethiopian Airlines’ operational role.
- Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) — Air Congo Launch Coverage :- State-backed reporting confirming aircraft type, operational start, and strategic intent.
- Aviation Week — Ethiopian Airlines Partners with DRC Government :- Independent aviation industry analysis validating the partnership and strategic context.
- ATR Aircraft — ATR 72-600 Lease for Air Congo :- Manufacturer confirmation of regional aircraft deployment supporting domestic expansion.
