As previously reported by The African Aviation Tribune, Congolese private carrier Equatorial Congo Airlines, better known as EC Air Congo (LC), last week Friday 24 August, inaugurated its first international route: a 3x weekly Brazzaville, Congo - Paris (Charles de Gaulle) service using a Boeing 757-200 leased from Switzerland's PrivatAir.
The route's début comes almost one year after the airline launched with a service between Brazzaville and Pointe Noire.
Equatorial Congo Airlines - Brazzaville, Congo - Paris (Charles de Gaulle)
- Effective 24 August 2012
- LC011 BZV 2150 - 0640+1 CDG 757 | 135
- LC012 CDG 2315 - 0555+1 BZV 757 | 246
 |
| EC Air's Boeing 757 (Marvin My) |
In some ways, EC Air shares many similarities with their southern
neighbour in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Korongo Airlines,
whose majority shareholding is held by Belgian carrier Brussels
Airlines. Lufthansa Consulting developed a comprehensive five year business plan including the future network and fleet structure for the
Congolese airline, as well as also created the carrier’s
overall design concept. Furthermore, Lufthansa Consulting has also ensured adherence to international
high quality and safety standards by having their aircraft maintained and registered in Switzerland, hence EC Air's ability to operate into Europe.
“Thanks to the excellent cooperation with our partner Lufthansa Consulting this project is a major success and has become a positive example for the aviation industry in Africa," said ECAir’s Chief Executive Officer Fatima Beyina-Moussa expressing her gratitude for the services rendered during the last years.
The airline is also looking to start operations closer home with preparations for services to Douala (Cameroon), Cotonou (Benin) and Ollombo in the
Republic of the Congo all under way.
