Ethiopian Airlines has leased two new ATR 72-600 turboprops to Air Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo's flag carrier, in which it holds a 49pc stake. The aircraft, equipped with the latest engines, are expected to enter service in February 2026, marking the first introduction of this model in the DRC. The announcement, made at the Dubai Airshow this week, marks the country's return to Aérospatiale Alenia (ATR) operations after three decades. It follows a July 2024 agreement to establish ATR maintenance capability in the city, a step intended to position Ethiopian's Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul facilities as a regional hub for the Franco-Italian manufacturer's fleet. Group CEO Mesfin Tasew framed the lease as part of a wider effort to offer African carriers cost-effective regional connectivity. Air Congo CEO Mesfin Biru Weldegeorgis pointed to the aircraft's capacity to reach remote airstrips, an essential feature in the DRC's demanding geography. ATR CEO Nathalie Tarnaud Laude welcomed the collaboration, noting the growing uptake of the company's aircraft across the continent due to their lower operating costs and suitability for emerging markets. The lease underscores Ethiopian Airlines' expanding role in advancing intra-African air transport and supporting partner airlines under its Vision 2035 strategy.
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