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Congo Airways (8Z, Kinshasa N'Djili) has grounded its fleet days after President Félix Tshisekedi instructed the government to make urgent funds available for the struggling national carrier.

Officially, the airline announced it suspended operations on September 11 to "reorganise its equipment". In a statement, it promised to resume service "in a very short time" and thanked Tshisekedi for intervening regarding an urgent provision of funds.

Meanwhile, Congo Airways CEO José Dubier Lueya said the airline needs at least USD33 million to resume its operations. Speaking on Top Congo FM radio station in Kinshasa on September 11, he confirmed the decision to halt operations was taken because the engines of both of the airline's two A320-200s needed replacing. "We reached the end of the engine cycle on both planes at almost the same time," he explained. He estimated replacing all four engines would cost USD28 million. Lueya also suggested purchasing a second-hand plane for USD5 million but did not elaborate. The airline owes USD30 million in unpaid taxes, he added.

Earlier this year, A320-200,...

Editorial Comment: Updated with comment from Congo Airways CEO. - 12.09.2023 - 15:24 UTC

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