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ch-aviation • Hilka Birns

Air Congo sets up first intercontinental route: Kinshasa–Brussels nonstops in early 3Q26, with CEO talks and new ATRs

Air Congo is preparing to launch nonstop long-haul service between Kinshasa and Brussels, its first intercontinental route. Multiple reports frame the plan around an early 3Q26 start, with Brussels-Europe competition highlighted as ticket sales begin from July. The airline’s CEOs also discussed the service with Ethiopian Airlines and the acquisition of new ATRs.

2026-05-06T02:00:16.681086-07:00

AeroTime

ATR stakes out the US turboprop “frontier market,” arguing niches are the path to turboprop relevance

2026-05-03T20:34:38.963587-07:00

ch-aviation

Air Congo to take delivery of first ATR 72-600 by mid-2Q26 to expand regional turboprop capacity

2026-04-21T06:54:06.192387-07:00

ch-aviation

Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional) postpones summer schedule amid late ATR72-600 MRO

2026-04-28T07:05:58.948997-07:00

News Timeline

ch-aviation

Air Congo sets up first intercontinental route: Kinshasa–Brussels nonstops in early 3Q26, with CEO talks and new ATRs Air Congo is preparing to launch nonstop long-haul service between Kinshasa and Brussels, its first intercontinental route. Multiple reports frame the plan around an early 3Q26 start, with Brussels-Europe competition highlighted as ticket sales begin from July. The airline’s CEOs also discussed the service with Ethiopian Airlines and the acquisition of new ATRs.

2026-05-06T02:00:16.681086-07:00

Air Congo sets up first intercontinental route: Kinshasa–Brussels nonstops in early 3Q26, with CEO talks and new ATRs

AeroTime

ATR stakes out the US turboprop “frontier market,” arguing niches are the path to turboprop relevance ATR CCO frames turboprops as a regional connectivity tool for markets that need niche-by-design aircraft economics and operational flexibility—specifically positioning the US as a promising frontier for turboprop demand. The remarks reinforce ATR’s broader strategy to expand turboprop viability beyond legacy hub-and-spoke assumptions.

2026-05-03T20:34:38.963587-07:00

ATR stakes out the US turboprop “frontier market,” arguing niches are the path to turboprop relevance

ch-aviation

Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional) postpones summer schedule amid late ATR72-600 MRO Ireland’s Emerald Airlines, operating as Aer Lingus Regional, has pushed back its summer schedule after late maintenance work affecting its ATR72-600 operation. The decision underscores how MRO lead-time slippage can force near-term capacity and network adjustments at regional carriers.

2026-04-28T07:05:58.948997-07:00

Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional) postpones summer schedule amid late ATR72-600 MRO

Vertical Mag

FlySight opensight mission console with ATR deployed for Norway SAR operations FlySight has advanced its search-and-rescue mission support stack, completing successful integration tests for the opensight mission console paired with an ATR platform for SAR operations in Norway. The validated setup is designed to improve mission support and operational integration for search-and-rescue stakeholders.

2026-04-21T08:19:30.479477-07:00

FlySight opensight mission console with ATR deployed for Norway SAR operations

ch-aviation

Air Congo to take delivery of first ATR 72-600 by mid-2Q26 to expand regional turboprop capacity Air Congo plans to induct its first ATR 72-600 by mid-2Q26, moving from current capacity levels toward expanded regional operations using a turboprop type suited to shorter sectors. The update signals a near-term fleet refresh and a step change in capability for the carrier’s network.

2026-04-21T06:54:06.192387-07:00

Air Congo to take delivery of first ATR 72-600 by mid-2Q26 to expand regional turboprop capacity

FlightGlobal

ATR names Damien Proust senior VP engineering, replacing Daniel Cuchet as head of design organisation ATR’s Airbus-Leonardo joint venture is reshuffling its technical leadership: Damien Proust replaces Daniel Cuchet as senior vice-president engineering and head of design organisation, effective 1 May. Proust joins from Airbus, where he was vice-president and head of propulsion airframe, covering research, development, production and in-service support activities for pylons.

2026-04-15T05:11:32.927874-07:00

ATR names Damien Proust senior VP engineering, replacing Daniel Cuchet as head of design organisation

ch-aviation

Amelia signs LOI to convert two ATR72s into water bombers as wildfire capability scales in France France’s Amelia has signed a letter of intent with Kepplair Evolution to add two ATR72 turboprops that will be converted for aerial firefighting. The LOI signals a near-term expansion of tanking capacity using a common ATR72 platform, building on the market’s shift toward converted, purpose-modular firefighting fleets.

2026-04-14T02:14:52.498542-07:00

Amelia signs LOI to convert two ATR72s into water bombers as wildfire capability scales in France

FlightGlobal

ATR’s HighLine: first 26-seat, all-business-class line-built turboprops set for delivery Three years after unveiling its HighLine upmarket cabin concepts at AIX, ATR says it will deliver its first two line-built aircraft this year in a 26-seat, all-business-class configuration. The move underscores ATR’s push to make turboprops commercially viable for premium short-haul missions.

2026-04-13T02:54:14.257855-07:00

ATR’s HighLine: first 26-seat, all-business-class line-built turboprops set for delivery

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ATR News

Air Congo sets up first intercontinental route: Kinshasa–Brussels nonstops in early 3Q26, with CEO talks and new ATRs

ATR stakes out the US turboprop “frontier market,” arguing niches are the path to turboprop relevance

Air Congo to take delivery of first ATR 72-600 by mid-2Q26 to expand regional turboprop capacity

Emerald Airlines (Aer Lingus Regional) postpones summer schedule amid late ATR72-600 MRO

News Timeline