Air Zaire
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched its new national air-
line, Air Congo, with its inaugural flight on 1 December 2024. Born from a public-private partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, this ambitious initiative is a major step in revitalizing the nation’s civil aviation sector.
The first of two Boeing 737-800 LY-MGM has arrived to its homebase at N'djili International Airport in Kinshasa. The airline will commence operations by serving domestic destinations to: Goma International Airport, Kalemie Airport, Kisangani Bangoka International Airport, Lubumbasi International Airport and Mbuj Mayi Airport.
The fleet is projected to grow to eight Boeing 737s and two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, aiming to connect Kinshasa to regional hubs and international destinations, including Paris, Brussels, Dubai, Johannesburg, and Luanda. Ethiopian Airlines will further enhance the partnership by establishing a local flight school and a Boeing-certified maintenance facility, prioritizing local recruitment and skill development.
Addis Ababa November 8/2024 (ENA) Ethiopian Airlines has lounged Air Congo with a 49 percent stake. Air Congo will be becoming operational with two Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet Boeing 737-800s. The co-owned with the Congolese government and is part of Ethiopian’s strategy to grow its footprint across the African continent, the Group CEO Mesfin Tasew disclosed.
In 1960, Belgium terminated her 78´s years rule in the Congo and the first National
Government Congo was formed.
SABENA (Société Anonyme Belge dÉxploitation de la Navigation Aérienne) formed
the new Nat
ional Flag carrier Air Congo. The airline was primarily owned by
the Congo Government and SABENA Belgian Airlines and established a network of routes within the former Belgian colony byusing Douglas DC-3, DC-4, C54A, DC-6 and DC-8. Also routes to Europe from Congowere jointly operated with SABENA using Boeing 707s.
By late 1960s Air Congo had splitt off with Sabena by introducing two Douglas DC8-33s
purchased from Pan American. Caravelle SE-210s and Fokker F-27 was introduced when the olderaircraft like DC-3, DC-4, C-54A, and DC-6 were phased out.
Air Zaire Caravelle SE210 11R, 9Q-CLD, c/n 251,
Photo: AirTeams
Air Zaire Fokker F27 9Q-CLQ, MSN 10405
Photo: AirTeams
On 25th October 1971 the airline bacame Air Zaire to go along with the name change of the country. Air Zaire continued to operate the DC8s and during 1973 the first Boeing 737-298C 9Q-CNI entered the fleet.
In 1973 a DC-10-30, 9Q-CLI and a leased Boeing 747, N747PA were added to the fleet and following by a second DC-10, 9Q-CLT in 1974
Air Zaire was struggling already in 1985 and the DC-10, 9Q-CLT was sold to British Airways as G-NIUK. Orders for 2no MD-11
and 2no MD-80 were placed in early 1990s to replace the DC-10-30s
and Boeing B737-200s but due to poor financial state of airline the orders were cancelled.
In October 1992 the other DC-10, 9Q-CLI was stored in Tel Aviv, Israel awaiting maintenance.The aircraft was scrapped during 2002. A third DC-10, V2-LEA was contracted on a short termbasis and was operated by Skyjet from November 1992 until the end of that year.
Air Zaire Boeing 737-298 9Q-CNK c/n 20795
Photo: FirstGen
Air Zaire Douglas DC-10-30F, 9Q-CLI, F-OGQC "Mont Ngaliema" c/n 47886
Photo: Christian Volpati
Air Zaire Boeing 747-121 cn 19639 N747QC
Photo:M Oertly
On January 2, 1995, a the Boeing 737-298C, 9Q-CNI "Lac Tumba" ran off the runway in
poor weather conditions in Kinshasa. The engines were torn from the aircraft but no
serious injures resulted.
Air Zaire declared bankruptcy 1n 1995 after debts totaled 1 billion Belgian
France and ceased all operations. The government joined in a partnership with Sabena to
reorganize the carrier under the
new brand "New Air Zaire"
useing the existing fleet.