Equatorial
Congo Airlines (ECAir) is poised to shake up Central Africa’s
aviation landscape with the relaunch of its regional network. Starting
June 30, 2025, the airline will reconnect Brazzaville
with key cities in Cameroon and
Gabon, marking its return to international operations
after an eight-year hiatus.
This
strategic move will see ECAir operating two weekly flights from its
Brazzaville hub to Douala and
Yaoundé in Cameroon, and
Libreville in Gabon. This puts ECAir in direct
competition with established players like Afrijet Business
Service and Camair-Co, promising a more
dynamic and competitive market for travelers in the region.
ECAir’s
re-entry comes after a period of consolidation and restructuring.
Having resumed domestic flights a year ago with a single Boeing
737, the airline is now embarking on an ambitious regional
expansion. This renewed focus on connectivity is backed by the Congolese
government, ECAir’s primary shareholder, which is exploring the
acquisition of new-generation aircraft like the Chinese-manufactured
ARJ21 to modernize the fleet and support future
growth.
The airline’s
initial relaunch will utilize its existing Boeing 737, offering a total
of 768 seats per week across the three routes. This capacity positions
ECAir competitively against rivals like Afrijet, which operates smaller
aircraft with an estimated weekly seat capacity of 420 on similar
routes. Camair-Co, with a comparable fleet, also offers around 768 seats
per week, setting the stage for a balanced three-way
competition.
ECAir’s return
is not just about reclaiming its place in the market; it’s about
contributing to the growth and development of the Central African
aviation sector. The airline’s expansion will boost regional
connectivity, offering travelers more choices and potentially driving
down fares. This increased competition is expected to benefit both
business and leisure travelers, facilitating trade and tourism within
the region.
The choice of
the ARJ21 for future fleet expansion is a significant one. This modern
regional jet, with a capacity of 78-90 passengers, is well-suited to the
demands of the Central African market. Its introduction would not only
enhance ECAir’s operational efficiency but also mark a significant
milestone as the first commercial operation of a Chinese-made jetliner
in Africa.
Looking back,
ECAir boasts a rich operational history. Founded in 2011, the airline
quickly established itself as a key player in the region, operating a
network that spanned several countries in Central and West Africa. At
its peak, ECAir served destinations like Cotonou (Benin), Kinshasa
(DRC), Bamako (Mali), and Dakar (Senegal), with a fleet of Boeing
aircraft. Financial challenges led to the suspension of operations in
2016, but the airline’s current resurgence signals a renewed commitment
to serving the region and connecting its people.
ECAir’s
relaunch is a welcome development for the Central African aviation
market. It injects fresh competition into a sector dominated by a few
players, offering travelers more options and potentially stimulating
further growth. The airline’s commitment to modernization, backed by
government support, suggests a long-term vision for sustainable growth
and enhanced regional connectivity. As ECAir takes to the skies once
more, it carries with it the hopes of a more connected and prosperous
Central Africa.
