• New direct flight aims to strengthen trade and business ties

• Route is part of broader African expansion plan

• Airline faces strong competition from established regional carriers

Air Congo, the national airline of the Democratic Republic of Congo established in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, operated its first direct flight between Kinshasa and Johannesburg on March 22.

According to Airports Company South Africa, the new route is expected to support trade flows and business opportunities between the two cities. As a major mining hub, the DRC continues to attract investors, including from South Africa, particularly in mineral trading.

The launch is part of Air Congo’s broader regional expansion strategy, which includes plans to serve several African cities such as Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Douala, and Cotonou. These routes are expected to be introduced between late March and early April.

The airline also plans to gradually roll out up to 14 regional routes covering Central, Southern, and West Africa.

However, Air Congo will operate in a highly competitive environment, facing established regional carriers such as ASKY Airlines, Air Côte d’Ivoire, Air Tanzania, and Kenya Airways.

Henoc Dossa