Africa's aviation industry remains undeveloped, living 18% of the world's population, while global passenger traffic is only 2.4%.
Emphasizing the disparity, Biru states: “Africa aviation is at the lowest level compared to global passenger traffic… there is an imbalance in air traffic when compared to global air traffic movements.”
He emphasized that “the development and opening up of the air traffic movement is extremely crucial for social, economic and cultural growth and interaction within and beyond Africa.”
The aircongo he asserted was released “with this purpose of connecting Africa.”
One of the most important aspects of Air Congo's launch is its equity partnership with Ethiopian Airlines. “African Airlines is extremely challenging with its lack of professionalism, excellent governance and leadership,” Bill said.
He explained that with the involvement of Ethiopian airlines, AirCongo ensures “being competitive and sustainable” by bringing “years of experience, expertise, commercial and operational excellence.” Without such a structure, he warned that “the fate of the African airlines has gradually failed.”
The main focus of Air Congo is to improve domestic flight travel within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country with limited infrastructure and vast geographical challenges.
Today, African travelers often reach local destinations through distant hubs such as Johannesburg, Nairobi and Addis Ababa. “Air connectivity within Africa is highly restrained, and local air movements include passing through long distance cities within Africa and beyond,” Biru said.
Infrastructure remains a key challenge in DRCs with limited land connections and unregulated operators. But Biru remains optimistic. “Like many African countries, the DRC has infrastructure issues with limited land connectivity, airport infrastructure, and unregulated operators.
The presence of air conditioners is set to stimulate trade, tourism and economic growth. “The DRC is twice as large as Ethiopia, with multiple states and major cities,” Biru pointed out. “The distance between Addis Ababa and the city of Goma is equal to the distance between Kinshasa and the city of Goma. This indicates that the DRC is a vast country blessed with natural gifts such as forest forests and minerals below the globe.
“Equity Airline Partnerships are the best arrangement for airlines in Africa to establish airlines. It's a highly capital-intensive business that requires a high level of professionalism and excellent governance and transparency,” Biru said.
Air Congo is actively integrated into the global aviation network. “Air Congo has submitted it to obtain certification and airline codes from the International Air Transport Association (IATA),” Biru revealed.
“It already has secured air calls from three character designators (3LDs) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). AirCongo3LD is “DRC” and the airline's phone or call sign is “Leoparc.” The leopard represents the insignia of the DRC, and the final C represents the Congo (DRC). ”
Airlines are also building strategic partnerships. “In the end, there will be an increasing number of dialogue and codeshare partnerships with many strategic partner airlines. Interline partnerships and SPA agreements with Ethiopians have already been signed, allowing Air Congo and Ethiopians to exchange passengers and issue thru tickets between the two airlines.”
He said, “For example, passengers traveling from Kisangani to Dubai can purchase one ticket at the itinerary, Kisangani Kinshasa Addis Ababa Dubai, with a very competitive fare.”
Its strategic vision, strong partnerships and commitment to excellence make AirCongo poised to rebuild Central African aviation. “We're in the right place at the right time,” Biru concluded, and was confident in the airline's ability to connect, empower and convert the region.
