Congo Airways Receives New Aircraft, Marks Resumption of Operations

Kinshasa, DRC - Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Congo Airways, the national airline, received a new Embraer E-190 aircraft with a capacity of 90 passengers at N’djili International Airport. The ceremony was presided over by Jean-Bertrand Ewanga, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the state-owned company.

The aircraft was acquired through a partnership between Congo Airways and the National Social Security Fund (CNSS). According to company officials, this acquisition marks the resumption of operations, which had been suspended since April 12, 2025.

Ewanga paid tribute to President Félix Tshisekedi, highlighting his support for the security situation in the country’s East and his role in ensuring Congo Airways contributes to national unity.

Operations had been halted due to the expiration of wet-lease contracts with KlasJet, along with technical issues, lack of engines, and insufficient maintenance. In September 2024, IATA and the DRC Civil Aviation Authority granted a 90-day moratorium to preserve the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and IATA accreditation, allowing some aircraft to return to service.

The new CEO, Alexandre Tshikala Mukendi, appointed by presidential decree on January 16, 2025, is tasked with turning the company around. The recovery plan, presented in January 2025, includes acquiring three Airbus A320s over five years, reorganizing governance, securing government support, and mobilizing financial resources via the CNSS and the government.