Air Congo launched its first flights on December 1, from the Ndjili International Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Air Congo is a joint venture between the Congolese government and Ethiopian Airlines. 

The new carrier first served Mbuji-Mayi, Lubumbashi, Kisangani, and Goma, using the first Boeing 737-800 that arrived on November 30.

"I would like to salute Ethiopian Airlines' partner for its determination to build with the Democratic Republic of Congo a great airline that will enable the Congolese to travel, to open up the country and also, from Kinshasa, to radiate across Africa and the world," said Jean-Lucien Busa, Minister of the Portfolio, upon receiving the aircraft, as reported by Agence Congolaise de Presse.

The effective launch of this new airline marks a significant milestone in the Congolese air transport sector, which now features three companies in addition to private air transport services. This development is also good news for Ndjili Airport and domestic air transport.

On the day Air Congo started its operations, 23 commercial take-offs were scheduled, excluding cargo flights.

GAB