Air Congo has taken delivery of a third Boeing 737-800, expanding the national carrier’s fleet to three aircraft as it moves to scale up operations and launch regional services.

An official reception was held on Feb. 19, 2026, at N’djili International Airport in the presence of Transport Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba.

Chief Executive Weldegeorgis Mesfin said the additional aircraft would improve on-time performance, increase frequencies on certain routes and enhance overall operational efficiency.

“We are welcoming our third aircraft of the same type today, a symbol of our growth and our commitment to providing modern, safe and reliable air transport,” he said.

When the second aircraft was delivered in December 2024, Mesfin said the airline aimed to expand its fleet to between six and eight aircraft to support its medium-term growth strategy.

Air Congo, which is 51% owned by the Congolese state and 49% by Ethiopian Airlines, plans to gradually launch regional services across Central, Southern and West Africa. Destinations targeted this year include Johannesburg; Cotonou; Douala; N’Djamena; Nairobi; and Dar es Salaam.

Mesfin said the expansion is designed to tap growing domestic and regional demand while strengthening the Democratic Republic of Congo’s connectivity with major African hubs.

The airline also expects to take delivery next month of an ATR 72-600 to reinforce its domestic network. The turboprop will serve Beni, Bunia, Isiro, Gbadolite, Mbandaka and Kalemie.

Mesfin said the strategy forms part of a broader ambition to develop a coherent air transport network capable of supporting the country’s economic and social development.

Founded in 2024, Air Congo has so far focused on domestic routes, including Goma, Lubumbashi, Kisangani, Mbujimayi, Kananga, Kindu, Kolwezi and Bukavu.

Ronsard Luabeya