Ethiopian Airlines Leases Two ATR 72-600 for Air Congo Operations
Strategic move strengthens ATR’s presence in Africa and supports domestic connectivity in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Dubai, 18th November 2025 – World’s leading regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, is proud to announce the lease by Ethiopian Airlines of two brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft, to be operated by 49%-owned Air Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national carrier. The aircraft are scheduled to enter service in February 2026.
This agreement marks a significant milestone in ATR’s expansion in Africa, as Ethiopian Airlines, the continent’s most influential aviation group, relies on the most advanced, fuel-efficient and cost-effective regional aircraft to connect regions across Congo. The leasing deal follows the strategic partnership previously announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, where ATR and Ethiopian Airlines agreed on a cooperation to develop ATR maintenance capabilities in Ethiopia. This initiative will position Ethiopian Airlines as a regional MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) hub for ATR aircraft, serving operators across the continent.
“With the arrival of our new ATRs and the development of our MRO capabilities to support them, Ethiopian Airlines is ready to offer a complete ATR solution, making it easier for airlines in Africa to have choices in serving regional connections across the continent,” said Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group. “We are proud to contribute our share in strengthening regional mobility in Africa, and to bring the comfort, convenience and speed of air travel to more communities.”
Mesfin Biru Weldegeorgis, CEO of Air Congo, adds: “Air Congo is proud to expand its reach across the Democratic Republic of Congo with the introduction of two new ATR 72-600 aircraft, equipped with PW127XT engines. These are the first of their kind in the country, and they will enable us to serve remote airports, enhancing domestic connectivity, stimulating economic development, and strengthening national cohesion.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR, commented: “Trust and strong business relationships are built over time. Getting to know ATR better was decisive for Ethiopian Airlines and Air Congo to invest in our platform, and we are proud of the confidence that our partners have placed in us. With a fleet growth of almost 30% in the last three years, ATR is expanding its footprint across Africa, helping recreate a complete ecosystem to support our operators and future prospects in the best possible way. The recent aircraft additions across the region reaffirm that ATRs are perfectly suited to opening new routes and supporting regional growth. Their ability to operate profitably even at lower load factors make them the ideal solution for emerging markets, where affordability and accessibility are essential to unlocking connectivity.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo is emerging as a strategic market with strong potential to meet growing regional connectivity needs, driven by rapid development and increasing demand for reliable air transport. This announcement underscores ATR’s long-term commitment to Africa, where regional aviation is a vital enabler of economic and social progress. By combining aircraft delivery with strategic support infrastructure, ATR is helping to build a more connected, resilient future for the continent.
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ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft open 120 new routes on average every year, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, we flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.