ATR has confirmed that Ethiopian Airlines will lease two factory-new ATR 72-600 aircraft for operation by Air Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national carrier, in which Ethiopian Airlines holds a 49% stake. The aircraft will enter service in February 2026.
The agreement marks a fresh step in ATR’s growth across Africa, as Ethiopian Airlines — the region’s most influential aviation group — selects advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft to improve regional links throughout DR Congo. The lease follows the partnership announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, where both parties committed to developing ATR maintenance capability in Ethiopia. This move will establish Ethiopian Airlines as a regional MRO hub for ATR 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.”
