Ethiopian Airlines is backing yet another African airline, Air Congo, which is set to start operations next month.
Ethiopian Airlines is spreading its wings yet again. And no, not with additional routes or frequencies. It is backing an African airline startup, Air Congo.
The Addis Ababa-based carrier already has joint ventures with various African airlines including Togo’s ASKY, Zambia Airways, and Malawi Airlines.
NEW AFRICAN AIRLINE
Ethiopian Airlines will be launching Air Congo with the Congolese government.
This is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ strategy to grow its footprint across the African continent, according to Ethiopian CEO Mesfin Tasew.
Mesfin stated that Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, will launch the new co-owned airline within a month.
Ethiopian Airlines will have a 49 percent stake in the Congolese state-owned carrier.
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ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES PROVIDES AIRCRAFT TO AIR CONGO
Starting early next month, Air Congo will launch operations with two Boeing 737-800s.
These aircraft are currently part of Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet.
Addis Insight reports that this will assist Air Congo in its initial launch, especially amid global aircraft shortages.
“Since it is a startup, it is difficult to get aircraft, so we took out two airplanes from our operation. The first one will go for painting with the airline’s new logo this week.” Mesfin said.
Furthermore, Mesfin said that Air Congo planned to increase its fleet to six Boeing 737-800s within a year.
ETHIOPIAN GROWS FOOTPRINT IN AFRICA
The launch of Air Congo backed by Ethiopian Airlines is part of Ethiopian’s strategy to increase its presence on the African continent and tap into growing demand for air travel.
The launch of the new Congolese airline marks another significant move for Ethiopian Airlines.
Ethiopian will indeed have significant stakes in four African airlines.
Mesfin added the Ethiopian Airlines Group is on a fast and all-round track of growth in all directions to achieve its vision.
Earlier this year, Ethiopian was planning to launch a joint new airline venture in Nigeria, but the deal was not concluded.
