Ethiopian to Lease Two New ATR 72-600s for Air Congo, Service From February 2026
The move advances ATR’s Africa strategy through a maintenance build-out in Ethiopia that supports regional operators.
Overview
- ATR and Ethiopian confirmed the deal at the Dubai Airshow 2025 for deployment with Air Congo.
- The aircraft will be powered by PW127XT engines, described by Air Congo’s CEO as the first of their kind in the country to reach remote airports.
- Ethiopian holds a reported 49% stake in Air Congo, aligning the lease with its broader African partnership strategy.
- Entry into service is targeted for February 2026, with delivery timing aligned to that schedule.
- The lease follows a 2024 agreement to develop ATR maintenance capability in Ethiopia, with Ethiopian’s CEO saying the carrier aims to offer a complete ATR solution for the region.