Air Congo took delivery of a new ATR 72-600 aircraft at N’djili International Airport on May 21, 2026, during a ceremony presided over by Deputy Prime Minister for Transport Jean-Pierre Bemba and attended by company executives.

The 70-seat turboprop is the second ATR 72-600 acquired by the airline as part of efforts to strengthen its domestic operations. Its arrival brings Air Congo’s operational fleet to five aircraft in less than 18 months.

The delivery follows an announcement made by the Transport Ministry in late April 2026 regarding the phased delivery of two aircraft aimed at expanding domestic services. The planes are expected to support the extension of Air Congo’s network to several cities across the Democratic Republic of Congo, including Bunia, Beni, Isiro, Gbadolite and Kalemie.

The aircraft are operated under a partnership between the Congolese state, which holds a 51% stake in Air Congo, and Ethiopian Airlines, the carrier’s strategic partner with the remaining 49%.

By expanding its fleet, Air Congo aims to improve domestic air connectivity in a country where several provinces remain difficult to access by road.

Boaz Kabeya