With its air operator’s certificate (AOC) set to expire in December, Congo Airways has acquired an 18-year-old Embraer E190 to retain its license. The 90-seat aircraft enables the airline to avoid losing the certificate, which would have suspended its flying rights, voided insurance cover and invalidated commercial agreements. Losing the AOC would also have forced the carrier to restart a lengthy and costly certification process.

The aircraft, previously operated by Dominican airline Sky High, underwent maintenance in Toulouse, France, before arriving at Kinshasa’s N’djili International Airport on Dec. 24.

The deal forms part of a partnership between Congo Airways and the National Social Security Fund (CNSS), which holds a 31% stake in the carrier. The aircraft remains owned by the CNSS and is being leased to the airline under undisclosed terms, according to sources. CNSS officials said two additional aircraft are expected to join the fleet.

The acquisition comes as Congo Airways seeks to restart operations. The airline has been grounded since April 12, 2025, following the expiration of wet-lease contracts with Lithuanian company KlasJet. Its own aircraft remain out of service due to technical problems, including a shortage of engines and inadequate maintenance. The carrier is also burdened by significant commercial and social debts.

A turnaround plan presented in late January 2025 includes the acquisition of three Airbus A320s through lease or purchase over five years, along with a reorganisation of governance. The plan depends on financial support from public authorities, particularly the CNSS and the Congolese state.

A new management team was appointed in January 2025, with Alexandre Tshikala Mukendi named director general and Mamitsho Pontshia as deputy director general. The process later stalled. In November, at the Makutano Forum, Transport Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba said implementation of the plan was blocked by the CNSS’s refusal to guarantee a bank loan.

Weakened by persistent financial and technical difficulties, Congo Airways saw its operational fleet shrink from four aircraft to two before a complete suspension of activities in July 2024 due to recurrent technical failures.

After several months of efforts, the airline said in a Nov. 3, 2024 statement that it would gradually resume operations, with an initial flight scheduled for Nov. 10, before suspending activities again on April 12, 2025.

Ronsard Luabeya