Congo Airways Grounds Fleet Again Amid Leasing Setback

Congo Airways has again halted operations following the end of its wet-lease agreements with Lithuania’s KlasJet, with no official comment from the airline’s management. The final scheduled flight under the Congo Airways code was operated on April 12, 2025, between Kindu and Kinshasa using a KlasJet Boeing 737-800. The aircraft, LY-BBN, returned to Budapest via Tunis the following day. Its sister aircraft, LY-MGM, was returned to the lessor in March. KlasJet confirmed both aircraft were returned by mutual agreement as planned.

Despite plans to return its own Airbus A320-200, 9S-AKD, to service in December 2024, the aircraft remains grounded alongside its twin, 9S-ALU, due to engine issues. A third aircraft, a DHC-8-Q400, has been stored in Malta since mid-2023. With no aircraft currently in operation, Congo Airways has once again suspended services.

The airline had resumed limited operations in November 2024 using the two KlasJet aircraft after a prior grounding caused by the end of a contract with ALK Airlines. The Congolese government approved a fleet renewal plan in July 2024, including lease-purchase of three A320s. Former acting CEO Norbert Sengamali had revealed efforts to acquire up to ten aircraft through foreign funding and partnerships with local entities such as the national social security fund.

However, government focus now appears to be shifting to Air Congo, a joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines launched in December 2024. This new airline already operates two Boeing 737-800s, with expansion plans including widebody 787s to serve both domestic and international markets.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com