Lubumbashi-based Korongo Airlines (ZC), partly owned by Brussels Airlines (SN) parent SN Airholding, is expected to begin operations in April 2012, several years after its projected launch. ZC is a joint venture between SN Airholding and Groupe George Forrest International (GFI). The belgian-registered holding controls 70% of the D.R. Congo-registered carrier, local investors own the remaining 30%. ZC Chairman said on February23rd 2012 the carrier had received all necessary licenses and certificates from the congolese authorities “allowing the effective start of the airline”. It has approval to import 2 SN BAe146-200 and 1 B737-300, and to launch domestic and international operations. The aircraft will remain under belgian registry and will be wet-leased from SN under an ACMI agreement. All 3 aircraft have been painted in the ZC livery. In the 1st phase, ZC will operate scheduled B737 services between Lubumbashi (FBM) and Kinshasa (FIH) as well as between FBM and Johannesburg. The FBM-FIH service will eventually connect to SN’s services from Brussels (BRU) to FIH. BAe146 service from FBM to Mbuji-Maji and Kolwezi will be added in the 2nd phase. (ATW, February24th 2012).
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