ATR has announced the lease by Ethiopian Airlines of two brand-new ATR 72-600 aircraft, to be operated by 49%-owned Air Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national carrier. The aircraft are scheduled to enter service in February 2026. 

The leasing deal follows the strategic partnership previously announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, where ATR and Ethiopian Airlines agreed on a cooperation to develop ATR maintenance capabilities in Ethiopia. This initiative will position Ethiopian Airlines as a regional MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) hub for ATR aircraft, serving operators across the continent.