DRC launches new national airline called ‘Air Congo SA’

Following the collapse of the country’s national carrier, the DRC government is expected to launch a new national airline in December which will effectively fly again. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka said on Friday, that the government will relaunch the project to create a new national airline called “Air Congo SA”. Suminwa presented a note to the council of Ministers on Friday in the Capital Kinshasa. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Communication Channels and Disenclavement, Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, revealed that, since September 13, 2024, discussions have been ongoing with the aim of reviving the national carrier. The launch date has been set at Sunday, December 1 when the inaugural flight will be flagged off. The government of DRC is partnering with Ethiopian Airline under the new company “Air Congo SA”. Jean-Pierre Bemba revealed to the council of Ministers that the two shareholders, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Ethiopian Airlines group, are respectively 51% and 49%, for a total amount of US$40m.” This new project has been established following the non renewal of the leasing contract between Kenya Airways and Congo Airways.<br/>