Air Brousse
Defunct airline in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Air Brousse was a Congolese airline. The carrier was formed in 1955 by a group of Belgians and flew services within the Belgian Congo, mainly from Leopoldville and Luluabourg. Air Brousse also operated feeder services for Sabena. It had its headquarters in Leopoldville.[1]
| Founded | March 1955 |
|---|---|
| Ceased operations | 31 December 1966 |
| Headquarters | Leopoldville, Belgian Congo |
The company ceased operations on 31 December 1966 and was taken over by Air Congo on 30 June 1967.
History
Air Brousse was established as a private enterprise in March 1955.[2] The Belgians who owned the company were distributors for Aero Commander, Hughes and Piper aircraft in the Congo.[3] In the beginnings, the carrier flew local scheduled services from Leopoldville and Luluabourg, but charter services were also undertaken. It also run feeder services for Sabena.[2]
By April 1960, the fleet comprised four Rapides, two Piper Pacer, two Tri-Pacers and one Tiger Moth that worked scheduled and charter services within the Belgian Congo. The carrier also run a maintenance facility for private aircraft.[4] Employment was at 143 in April 1964.[5] The number of employees had grown to 158 by April 1965. Focusing mainly on the transport of passengers, at this time the airline also undertook aerial works and kept a minor shareholding in Air Congo,[6] which had been formed in 1961 with the government and Sabena being the major shareholders, together keeping 95% of the shares, and Air Brousse and Sobelair holding the balance.[7]
Air Brousse operated until 31 December 1966.[8] The company was absorbed by Air Congo on 30 June 1967.[9] Cogeair took over some of the routes formerly operated by Air Brousse.[10]
