Congo Airways S.A. is the state-owned flag carrier airline of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)., has leased a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registered as LY-BBN, from ACMI carrier Klasjet. The aircraft landed in Kinshasa on the evening of Tuesday, November 12, after departing from Rijeka, Croatia.
The Boeing 737-800 has a seating capacity of 174 passengers, including 12 seats in the business class cabin. While the aircraft has yet to be painted (stickered) in Congo Airways’ national colors, it will be operating under a lease arrangement in partnership with Lithuanian company Klasjet, as reported by the Agence Congolaise de Presse (ACP).
Klasjet, known for its extensive experience, previously collaborated with Congo Airways until the end of last year, when the airline temporarily suspended its activities, shared a source close to Congo Airways’ commercial management team.
This renewed partnership marks the beginning of a new operational phase for Congo Airways, as it seeks to overcome recent challenges and restore reliable service.
Congo Airways, having recommenced operations late last year after a temporary suspension in September 2023, is now navigating a strategic move to lease additional aircraft, signaling an ambitious effort to revitalize its fleet. The airline’s plan includes securing several Embraer E190 aircraft and a Boeing 777-200ER, with negotiations currently underway.
In a recent development, Congo Airways has already incorporated two Boeing 737-800 aircraft into its fleet through a leasing agreement with charter and ACMI provider KlasJet. The lease agreement, lasting four months, facilitated the airline’s operational restart since the mid-September suspension.
The carrier anticipates finalizing an agreement for three Embraer E190 aircraft and one Boeing 777-200ER by the end of February. The E190s are expected to accommodate 90 seats, although the source of these aircraft remains undisclosed.
Additionally, Congo Airways has decided to lease a third Boeing 737-800 aircraft, already secured to meet the rising market demand.
@ HappyToursAfrica