Air Congo has strengthened its international aviation capacity with the arrival of a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, following a leasing agreement involving MIAT Mongolian Airlines and aviation services company Chapman Freeborn.
The aircraft landed at N’djili International Airport in Kinshasa on October 27, 2026, marking another important development in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s efforts to expand its national airline and improve international air connections.
The arrangement was facilitated by Chapman Freeborn, which brought Air Congo and the Mongolian carrier together after assessing the Congolese airline’s operational requirements and passenger capacity needs.
The new aircraft is scheduled to begin commercial operations on October 31, giving Air Congo additional capacity as it develops its long-distance passenger services.
New Dreamliner will carry 292 passengers
The Boeing 787-9 will accommodate up to 292 passengers across three cabin categories, providing different levels of comfort for travellers.
Its seating arrangement includes:
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Business Class: 30 seats
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Premium Economy: 36 seats
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Economy Class: 226 seats
The introduction of Premium Economy gives Air Congo another option between its Business and Economy cabins, potentially attracting passengers who want additional comfort without paying for a Business Class ticket.
With the additional aircraft, the airline will have more passenger capacity to support its international operations and respond to demand on routes connecting the Congolese capital with overseas destinations.
The Boeing 787-9 is designed for long-distance commercial travel, making it suitable for airlines seeking to operate international routes with a wide-body aircraft.
Chapman Freeborn brokers agreement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines
The aircraft lease was arranged through Chapman Freeborn’s Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) and Leasing division.
The company worked with Air Congo to understand its fleet requirements, passenger service plans and operational needs before identifying MIAT Mongolian Airlines as a suitable leasing partner.
Chapman Freeborn subsequently coordinated discussions between the two airlines and supported the process through negotiations and aircraft delivery.
Daniel Huggins, Director of ACMI and Leasing at Chapman Freeborn, said the agreement reflected cooperation between the company’s team and both airlines. He explained that understanding Air Congo’s operational objectives was central to finding an appropriate aircraft and leasing arrangement.
Linas Dovydenas, President for IMEA at Chapman Freeborn, also highlighted the importance of matching aircraft leasing solutions with the commercial and operational plans of individual airlines.
The financial details of the agreement, including the lease cost and duration, were not disclosed in the announcement.
Senior officials welcome aircraft in Kinshasa
The Dreamliner’s arrival was marked by an official reception at N’djili International Airport.
Among those present were Jean-Pierre Bemba, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Transport; Jeanne Madeleine Mpemba Tujibikile, Chairperson of Air Congo; and Mesfin Biru, the airline’s Director General.
The presence of senior government and airline officials underlined the importance attached to strengthening the country’s aviation industry.
Air Congo’s expansion is part of a wider ambition to improve the country’s air connectivity and provide passengers with more opportunities to travel between the DRC and international destinations.
Kinshasa, the country’s capital and largest commercial centre, is expected to remain central to the airline’s development as it builds its international network.
Air Congo targets stronger international connectivity
The addition of the Boeing 787-9 comes as Air Congo works to increase its presence in the international aviation market.
Long-distance routes require aircraft capable of carrying substantial passenger numbers over extended distances. The Dreamliner offers the airline another wide-body option as it develops services beyond the African continent.
The aircraft’s three-cabin configuration could also help the carrier appeal to different categories of travellers, including business passengers, tourists and people travelling between Africa and Europe.
Aircraft leasing provides an alternative to purchasing new planes outright. It allows airlines to access additional capacity while avoiding the immediate financial commitment associated with acquiring an aircraft.
For Air Congo, the arrangement offers an opportunity to expand its operations while continuing to develop its fleet and passenger services.
However, the arrival of the aircraft does not automatically confirm new routes or increased flight frequencies. The airline has not announced specific additional destinations or a detailed schedule linked to the Boeing 787-9’s introduction.
A significant step for the DRC aviation sector
The new aircraft represents a notable addition to Air Congo’s development plans and highlights the role international partnerships can play in strengthening African airlines.
The aviation industry across the continent continues to face challenges involving operating costs, aircraft availability, infrastructure and competition from established international carriers.
Leasing agreements can help airlines respond to some of these pressures by providing access to aircraft without requiring an outright purchase.
Air Congo’s latest arrangement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines, facilitated by Chapman Freeborn, is therefore an important development for the Congolese carrier.
With the Boeing 787-9 expected to enter service on October 31, attention will now turn to how the airline deploys the aircraft and whether the additional capacity translates into broader international connections for passengers travelling through Kinshasa.
