Mar 22 β€’ 05:30 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

DRC: President Tshisekedi calls for a recovery plan for Congo Airways

President Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has called for a comprehensive recovery plan for the national airline, Congo Airways, which is in a critical state with no operational aircraft.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo Airways, the national airline established in 2015, is currently in a dire situation with all its operational aircraft grounded. President Tshisekedi expressed concerns over this crisis and has called for a realistic and rigorously overseen recovery plan. This request comes in the wake of an official investigation, which included contributions from the General Finance Inspection, highlighting the need for a strategic approach to revitalize the airline.

Currently, Congo Airways faces significant operational challenges, with all of its own planes unable to fly due to inadequate maintenance, and even the leased aircraft are not in use. For instance, an Embraer jet financed by the National Social Security Fund remains on the ground due to the unavailability of specialized pilots, lack of technical documentation, and necessary spare parts. This situation severely hampers the airline's ability to serve its routes and meet passenger needs.

The implications of President Tshisekedi's call for action are profound. The revival of Congo Airways is essential not only for national pride but also for improving air transport infrastructure within the country. A successful recovery plan could potentially stimulate economic growth by enhancing connectivity and enabling more efficient travel within the region, which is crucial for both tourism and commerce.

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