Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa International) plans to lease two ATR72-600s for its 49%-owned subsidiary Air Congo (4H, Kinshasa N'Djili). Deliveries are scheduled for February 2026.

The airline announced the contract during the Dubai Airshow. The new aircraft will be equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada 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," said Air Congo CEO Mesfin Biru Weldegeorgis.

The airlines did not disclose the identity of the lessor. The new agreement follows a 2024 partnership deal between Ethiopian Airlines and ATR - Avions de Transport Régional, wherein the two companies pledged to jointly develop a maintenance, repair, and overhaul hub for the turboprops in Ethiopia.

Air Congo currently operates two B737-800s sourced from Ethiopian Airlines.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian has also signed a new order with Airbus for six incremental A350-900s. The airline already operates 21 units of the type and has an additional 11 on firm order from Airbus (and plans to add one more second-hand unit), ch-aviation data shows.