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Local regional airline SA Express is expanding into the Democratic
Republic of the Congo with the launch of a new regional airline, Congo
Express, which will provide a much needed air service between Kinshasa,
Lubumbashi and Mbuji Mayi from February onwards.
Congo Express corporate offices are based in Lubumbashi and
Kinshasa, and the airline will operate seven days a week between
Lubumbashi and Kinshasa, and four times a week between Lubumbashi and
Mbuji Mayi.
This new airline is a joint venture and collaboration between
established Congolese business, BizAfrika Congo and SA Express, one of
the fastest growing regional carriers on the continent.
"The new airline, Congo Express, will roll out its operations in
three phases, the first being the launch of the Lubumbashi - Kinshasa
and Kinshasa - Mbuji Mayi routes," said Congo Express MD Didier
Kindambu in a statement this week.
"Next, we plan on growing the
domestic routes to serve other airports within the DRC, followed by an extension of services beyond the borders of the DRC."
Congo Express
SA Express and its partner, BizAfrika Congo, have been engaged in
collaborative discussions regarding Congo Express over the last four
years, with SA Express holding 49% of Congo Express' shares in the
joint venture.
The Congo Express brand and corporate identity will be similar to
those of SA Express, yet uniquely distinctive. The logo reflects the
colours of the national flag of the DRC and will be reflected in the
livery of the aircraft servicing the route, and also in the chic
uniform to be worn by the employees.
Congo Express' technical maintenance facilities will be undertaken by SA Express.
SA Express launched its operation between Johannesburg and
Lubumbashi in 2004, and will continue to operate this route. The
Johannesburg - Lubumbashi route has since flourished, with the airline
currently frequenting the DRC six days a week.
source SAinfo
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